Demers Masonry Inc. recently donated $5,000 to the Mesa Warming Centre. Taking part in the cheque presentation (from left) were Petawawa Mayor Gary Serviss, County of Renfrew Chief Administrative Officer Craig Kelley, Director of Development and Property Jason Davis, Petawawa Councillor Karen Donovan, Emergency Services Director Michael Nolan, Community Services Director Andrea Patrick, Mark Demers, Lynn Demers, Jordan Demers, Dominic Demers, Paige Preyde, Carissa Demers, Nick Preyde, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon, Pembroke Councillor Troy Purcell and Laurentian Valley Mayor Steve Bennett. County of Renfrew photo
The Mesa Warming Centre has officially opened its doors in Pembroke, providing essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness or precarious housing. Located at the Ontario Addictions Treatment Centre (OATC) clinic at 156 John Street, the Centre began operations on December 7. It is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a safe space for those in need during the cold winter months.
This initiative is part of the broader Mesa program, a community-based collaboration launched by the County of Renfrew and local partners in March 2024. Mesa aims to offer compassionate care to those struggling with homelessness, substance abuse, addictions, and mental health challenges. The Centre provides a “low-barrier” environment, ensuring easy access to critical services such as addiction and mental health support.
The Centre is staffed by front-line personnel from MacKay Manor, who are trained to assist individuals in connecting with the services they need. These staff members are supported by the Mesa team, which works to provide comprehensive wrap-around services throughout the day.
The Home Depot donated $2,000 in materials towards the building retrofit for the Mesa Warming Centre. Celebrating the donation before the Centre opened (from left) were County of Renfrew Chief Administrative Officer Craig Kelley, Director of Development and Property Jason Davis, Supervisor of Technical Services Dennis Lazary, from the Home Depot Ben Kelly, Tammie Tubman and Tom Randell, County of Renfrew Paramedic Service Commander Amber Hultinck, Mesa Coordinator Barb Tierney, Building Infrastructure Coordinator Garry Davis, and from the Ontario Addictions Treatment Centre – Pembroke clinic Tara Edeh and Jenni Pinkerton. County of Renfrew photo
Funding for the Mesa Warming Centre comes through a municipal partnership, including contributions from the City of Pembroke, Town of Petawawa, Township of Laurentian Valley, and the County of Renfrew. The County of Renfrew also manages provincial funding through the Homelessness Prevention Program. In addition, local businesses have stepped up to support the Centre, with Demers Masonry Inc. and Ethier Electric each donating $5,000, and The Home Depot, through TS General Contracting, contributing $2,000 worth of materials for the Centre’s retrofit.
Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon expressed his gratitude for these generous donations, highlighting the importance of community support during the holiday season. “On behalf of Renfrew County, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to TS General Contracting, Demers Masonry, Ethier Electric, and The Home Depot for their generous donations to the Mesa Warming Centre,” he said. “Your support is invaluable in helping us provide a warm and safe environment for those in need during the cold winter months.”
The Mesa program is designed to address the root causes of homelessness and provide individuals with the tools and resources to rebuild their lives. By offering outreach, counseling, and treatment services, Mesa partners are helping to create a renewed sense of hope and optimism for people across Renfrew County.
The County of Renfrew continues to encourage community members to support the Mesa Warming Centre through donations. Those wishing to contribute can send cheques payable to the County of Renfrew, with “Mesa” indicated in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to the County Administration Building, 9 International Drive, Pembroke, or made online via the County’s website.
All funds raised will go toward supporting the Housing and Homelessness Fund, which targets initiatives like the Warming Centre. Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. The County extends its gratitude to everyone who contributes to this important cause and continues to demonstrate kindness and empathy for those in need.
(Written by: Emma Butler)