The Grind opens Warming Centre

Though homelessness isn’t as visible in rural communities as in big city centres, it still exists - and with a lack of adequate shelter, the winter months can be brutal.

With pandemic restrictions preventing some from entering buildings where they would traditionally take refuge, the situation has grown dire. The Grind Pembroke team even found a gentleman wrapped in tarps and suffering from hypothermia at their doorstep, having tried and failed to find shelter.

In response to that need, The Grind Pembroke has opened a Warming Centre in its new Victoria Avenue facility to combat cold-induced injuries.

It provides the area’s homeless population with a safe, warm indoor space for the remaining winter months.

“There is no place for (the homeless population) to go,” said Jerry Novack, The Grind Executive Director. “We are really trying to help them.”

It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. until the end of March. In addition to already scheduled lunches Tuesday to Friday, the centre will provide warm beverages and snacks and access to washroom facilities. Staff will be available to refer homeless clients to other community supports and resources to get them off the street.

“We can help them get connected to resources, whether that is emergency shelter services through the county, connect through families or friends, and make sure they have a hot meal,” said Novack.

The Grind’s Warming Station was made possible through a generous provincial COVID-19 relief funding administered by the County of Renfrew’s Community Services Division and from Mental Health Services Renfrew County.

The Grind Pembroke is located at 273 Victoria St.