The County of Renfrew is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative centred around a collaborative approach to providing compassionate care in the community.
This phased approach, named mesa (pronounced “mey-suh”), embodies bold and compassionate work to address the root causes of homelessness, substance abuse and addictions and mental health while fostering a resilient and healthier community for all residents of the County of Renfrew. It is a collaborative between three internal service providers – Community Services, Paramedic Services and our Development and Property Department, as well as partner organizations serving our communities.
Learn more about mesa by reading the full report.
Also see our media release about this innovative, inter-departmental approach.
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The Mesa Warming Centre
The County of Renfrew, City of Pembroke, Town of Petawawa and Township of Laurentian Valley came together to host a Warming Centre for the period of December 7, 2024 to April 30, 2025 to create a safe place for the most vulnerable people in the Valley. The Mesa Warming Centre was opened at 156 John Street in Pembroke to provide a safe, warm space to take shelter from the cold, have access to washroom facilities and connect with a support worker.
The County of Renfrew’s Mesa approach embodies bold and compassionate work necessary to address the root causes of homelessness, substance abuse and addictions and mental health while fostering a resilient and healthier community for all residents of the County of Renfrew. By connecting people to local programs and services, Mesa partners have created a renewed source of hope and optimism. For more information, see the Mesa Warming Centre final report.
If you would like to make a donation to Mesa, please go to the following link and fill out the form (donations of $20 or more will receive an official tax receipt):
All donations received will go towards the County of Renfrew’s Housing and Homelessness Fund, targeting efforts that include the Warming Centre in Pembroke.
Thank you for your continued support, kindness and empathy for our friends, family and neighbours.
Renfrew County Mesa HART Hub
On January 27, 2025 the Province of Ontario announced that Renfrew County would be one of 18 communities to receive funding for a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. The funding through the HART Hub has provided the opportunity to continue the operations of the Warming Centre as a year-round component of the HART Hub system. This facility can continue to serve as a vital intake point for individuals with complex needs, including those experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges. The HART Hub will provide a range of services, including:
- Primary Care
- Mental Health Services
- Addiction Care and Support
- Social Services and Employment Support
- Supportive Bridge Housing Services
With the implementation of the Hart Hub, this marks a pivotal moment to build on the strong foundation laid by community partners over the past year. It also presents an opportunity to introduce new service pathways, housing options, and treatment services that will more comprehensively support individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addictions. Backed by the province’s funding commitment, these efforts aim to enhance service integration and improve health outcomes and overall wellbeing across our communities.
As the development of the HART Hub continues with community partners, including the Pembroke Regional Hospital, two key leadership roles have been filled - HART Hub Lead and HART Hub Site Manager.
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10-year Homelessness and Housing Plan
In 2024, the County of Renfrew contracted OrgCode Consulting Inc. to complete the 10-year Homelessness and Housing Plan.
Renfrew County, like many regions across Canada, faces significant challenges in addressing homelessness. Despite ongoing efforts, gaps remain, especially for individuals with complex needs. This 10-Year Plan aims to enhance the homelessness response and create permanent housing solutions. Developed through extensive community engagement, the plan reflects a collective desire for a responsive system of care, from street outreach and sheltering options to permanent housing with necessary supports.
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Affordable Housing Summit
In April 2024, the County of Renfrew hosted an Affordable Housing Summit, which brought together stakeholders to discuss how to address the current affordable housing crisis across Renfrew County. This video captures the essence of the day.
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The mesa initiative and how it is addressing the opioid crisis in Renfrew County was recently featured on CBC News in a report by Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco, who was given rare access to the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service as paramedics responded to overdose calls.
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Since the Mesa initiative was launched in May 2024, it has continued to evolve to address the needs of community members experiencing homelessness, addictions, and mental health concerns. This is the first in a series of videos showcasing the Mesa initiative and highlighting one aspect – County of Renfrew Paramedics assisting individuals in the community as part of this collaborative approach between three County of Renfrew departments (Emergency Services, Community Services, and Development and Property) and other community partners including Mental Health Services (Pembroke Regional Hospital), and addictions and withdrawal services (MacKay Manor, and Renfrew Victoria Hospital).
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Mesa Gathering
The Mesa Gathering was held on May 22, 2024 at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke with more than 180 attendees representing 49 agencies that provide services to individuals facing addictions, mental health challenges, and homelessness. The Mesa Gathering served as the official launch of Mesa and highlighted the collaborative approach to compassionate care and building a healthier, more resilient community.
The feedback from the event emphasizes the importance of direct support, personalized care, community engagement, and collaborative efforts in addressing the complex needs of individuals facing homelessness, mental health issues, and addictions.
The Mesa Gathering yielded numerous significant insights that hold substantial potential to positively impact vulnerable individuals in our community. These insights have been used to formulate the Mesa Gathering final report containing recommendations identified as impactful, achievable, and sustainable for improving the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
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