The County of Renfrew has announced the official opening of the Mesa HART Hub, or Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub.
HART Hub Lead Molly Fulton said the new hub brings together low-barrier access to services focusing on immediate needs and long-term supports, including re-integration into the community.
Hub partners include Carefor, host of the hub’s bridge housing.
They’ve also transitioned the warming centre in Pembroke into a 24/7 intake centre, focused on low-barrier access to things like a warm space and mental health and addictions support.
Fulton said the HART Hub was created as a response to the needs of the community, especially those that might look different being in a rural area.
“It represents a new way of working together, so it’s not one single facility, not one single organization, but rather a coordinated network of community partners who are really working together towards a shared goal,” she said.
The HART Hub follows a hub-and-spoke model, whereby people can access supports from multiple entry points.
Fulton said individuals in rural parts of the county, like Madawaska Valley, are being supported by mobile outreach services, including the Mesa Team.
There is also a toll-free intake number, 1-844-720-0056, which individuals can contact for more information.
