Due to pandemic-driven changes in how people work and share space, the offices at 425 McNaughton Ave. W. will no longer be known as the Chatham-Kent Nonprofit Centre.
The facility, which has served as the home of United Way of Chatham-Kent for many years, began operating as the Chatham-Kent Nonprofit Center in 2018, building on its existing use as a community hub.
The center had organizations use its space on either an occasional basis or as long-term office space tenants.
“The catalyst for the change were changes in community needs and how we use the space,” United Way of Chatham-Kent CEO Barb Palace stated in a release. “The change also enables us to concentrate on the core work of the United Way in our community.”
The center hosted rentals and events for many community groups, service organizations and non-profits, including art shows, annual general meetings, board meetings and fundraisers.
However, as of earlier this month, the building will no longer be available for external rentals of board or training room space.
The building at 425 McNaughton Ave. W. will continue to be the home for the United Way and several tenants.
This March, it will also be the new home for Royal LePage Peifer Realty, which purchased the building and will be moving its officers there.
“While (the United Way) won’t be able to offer the rental spaces we once did, at this point the change in use made sense,” Palace said. “The work we do is so important to us, and this allows our small team to be able to focus on our work supporting community and away from the building maintenance required as a landlord.
“Royal LePage Peifer Realty is a wonderful community partner who understands and supports the work that United Way and the other tenants will continue to do from these offices. We look forward to sharing their new home.”