RELEASE DATE:
November 23, 2023
The County of Renfrew, along with community partners, has just finished a Point-in-Time Count to collect data about individuals facing homelessness in Renfrew County.
The surveys were conducted by staff from the Community Services Department, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, as well as volunteers from various organizations at over a dozen sites throughout Renfrew County. The results showed that 55 households reported being homeless as of October 27, 2023, which was the selected Point in Time. Data collection continued until November 3, 2023.
Jennifer Dombroskie, the Manager of Housing and Homelessness for the County of Renfrew, expressed gratitude to those who participated for providing this vital information and to the surveyors who not only gathered data but also helped connect people with local services.
Among these 55 households, 65 percent indicated they were located in the Pembroke area. Additionally, 53 percent reported experiencing chronic homelessness (for more than six months), while most respondents were aged between 30 and 64 years old; however, there was also a notable group of youth aged 16 to 29 who made up 27 percent of those experiencing homelessness based on the collected data.
Here are some other important statistics gathered through the surveys.
Status as of October 27:
40% unsheltered (rough camping) 31% couch surfing 20% emergency (shelter or hotel) 2% exited a health facility (hospital) 7% undisclosed
Causes of homelessness:
22% victim of intimate partner violence 22% relationship breakdown 18% kicked out of recent housing 16% evicted 4% unsafe or poor building conditions 4% undisclosed 14% other
Type of household:
60% single 18% single with children 13% couple 7% couple with children 2% undisclosed
Factors contributing to homelessness:
56% live with mental illness 49% medical illness 42% substance use disorder 35% learning or cognitive limitations 25% physical limitations
To tackle homelessness in Renfrew County, the county runs a provincially-funded Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) aimed at helping low-income residents keep stable housing. This program emphasizes housing retention and offers emergency support through funding for rent assistance, urgent home repairs, payment arrears for household expenses, and emergency hotel stays.
If you’re facing homelessness and need help connecting with community agencies and support services, please reach out to the County of Renfrew Community Services Department during business hours (Monday to Friday from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m.) at 613-732-2601 or toll-free at 1-866-897-4849. More information about resources available through the Homelessness Prevention Program can also be found on the County of Renfrew website.
If you need immediate assistance outside regular hours, there is a Mental Health Crisis Line available around-the-clock at 1-866-996-0991.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer Dombroskie Manager, Housing & Homelessness 613-735-0782 ext 140
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
Source link
Source link
