A local reverend is trying to set up a shelter to house the homeless in Pembroke.
Reverend Doug Kent says he often sees and hears people talking about homelessness and fears that the COVID-19 pandemic is making the situation worse.
He asks if someone in your family was homeless would you help them?
Kent says he would like to have the city and the county work together with local paramedics and OPP to conduct wellness checks on those living on the streets in the Pembroke area.
He adds sometimes these individuals can display violent and aggressive behaviour if they are approached and wants to ensure anyone helping has the proper training.
Kent says he has reached out to the City of Pembroke who told him it was necessary, but something that was looked after by the County of Renfrew.
The local reverend says he would like the shelter to be for more than just the homeless and also be a place to go if for example your house burned down and you didn’t have insurance.
Kent is encouraging anyone interested in helping out and forming a committee to reach out to him by email (dougk1779@gmail.com) or by phone (613-602-4145).
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