Officials in Renfrew County are pleased to be launching an innovative new initiative that takes a collaborative approach to providing passionate 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,” reads a press release.
Mesa is a collaborative between three internal service providers – community services, paramedic services and the county’s development and property department, as well as partner organizations serving our communities.
Phase one was the county’s involvement in the ‘Out of the Cold’ Warming Centre offered by The Grind Pembroke this past winter in partnership with the City of Pembroke, Township of Laurentian Valley and Town of Petawawa.
In the latest next phase, mobile response teams will be created with community paramedics and addictions and crisis workers responding to calls across Renfrew County. The idea is to meet individuals where they are in the community to provide the necessary supports and connect them with existing service providers.
“Work has already begun on phase three of the project – to provide transitional housing supports for individuals in the community. More will be announced on this in the coming weeks,” reads the release.
Addressing these needs is part of the County of Renfrew’s strategic plan goal of Community Wellness and Health Care, say officials.
“While individual departments have been providing services in these areas, this initiative provides an opportunity to move beyond the silos and align existing efforts to offer wraparound care for all community members to thrive. Mesa also addresses gaps identified through the Housing and Homelessness Strategy,” reads the release.
“The County of Renfrew is pleased to take a leadership role in this innovative approach to addressing the urgent needs of those individuals in our community who are struggling. We take these health-related issues seriously, as we want to ensure that the appropriate services are provided to the people of Renfrew County in an efficient and effective manner,” said Craig Kelley, Chief Administrative Officer.
Mesa is an evidence-based “escalator model” designed to transition people out of harm and towards an equitable community landscape. The goal is to support everyone to move towards health, well-being and a safe place to call home. The one direction, fluid model provides the innovative care and access to secure housing required for community members to thrive independently.
“The County of Renfrew seeks to find innovation in delivering services to our residents and community wherever and whenever possible,” added Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon. “The vastness of the County requires our service delivery partners to find non-traditional solutions to complicated problems. Collaborative efforts are the means to which we can work together for the betterment of all.”
The full mesa report can be found on the county website.
(Sherry Haaima)
