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RELEASE DATE:
November 23, 2023
The County of Renfrew, along with its community partners, recently completed a Point-in-Time Count to gather information about those experiencing homelessness in Renfrew County.
The surveys, which were completed by staff from the Community Services Department, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service and Renfrew County and District Health Unit as well as volunteers of various agencies at more than a dozen locations across Renfrew County, revealed that 55 households indicated they were homeless as of October 27, 2023, which was the date chosen as the Point in Time. The data was collected until November 3, 2023.
Jennifer Dombroskie, the County of Renfrew’s Manager of Housing and Homelessness, thanked the participants for sharing this crucial information and the surveyors who helped to not only collect the data but connect individuals with services in the community.
Of these 55 households, 65 per cent said they were in the Pembroke area, 53 per cent of respondents were experiencing chronic homelessness (more than six months) and the majority of respondents ranged in age from 30 to 64 years although 27 per cent were youth aged 16 to 29 experiencing homelessness, according to the data collected.
Here are some other key statistics which were gathered through the surveys.
Situation as of October 27:
- 40% unsheltered (rough camping)
- 31% couch surfing
- 20% emergency (shelter or hotel)
- 2% exited a health facility (hospital)
- 7% undisclosed
Reasons for 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
Household type:
- 60% single
- 18% single with children
- 13% couple
- 7% couple with children
- 2% undisclosed
Contributing factors to homelessness:
- 56% live with mental illness
- 49% medical illness
- 42% substance use disorder
- 35% learning or cognitive limitations
- 25% physical limitations
To address homelessness in Renfrew County, the County of Renfrew delivers the provincially-funded Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) to help residents with low incomes maintain housing stability. The Program focuses on housing retention and providing emergency services in the form of funding for rent allowances, emergency home repairs, household expense arrears, and emergency hotel stays.
For anyone experiencing homelessness who requires assistance in connecting with community agencies and supports, please call the County of Renfrew Community Services Department during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at 613-732-2601 or 1-866-897-4849. Information about Homelessness Prevention Program supports can also be found on the County of Renfrew website.
After hours there is a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line which can be reached 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
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