An important part of a new County of Renfrew initiative was in the spotlight last week.
The County held an affordable housing summit in Renfrew on Thursday, workshopping solutions to the local housing crisis with developers, residents, and other parties.
Local Paramedic Chief Mike Nolan says the topic was a key component of their new Mesa approach to compassionate care.
The plan considers a secure housing situation a key factor for physical and mental health, as well as an important part of recovery and wellbeing for people with serious mental illness.
Part of the actions laid out in the plan is to develop more transitional homes for residents who would otherwise be in shelter, a hospital ward, or prison, all options that are thousands of dollars more costly per person than supportive housing supports.
Nolan says the opportunities are there in the Ottawa Valley, but there’s a major part to the puzzle that needs to fall into place if things are to get better.
Nolan invite’s you to read the full Mesa report for more details on how the County’s Paramedic, Community, and Development and Property services are working together to improve mental and physical health supports in our region.
(written by Kasey Egan)