Social service officials in Renfrew County say homelessness isn't just an issue in Ottawa - it's a rural problem too.
David Studham, from Family and Children Services of Renfrew County, said those living on the streets in rural areas are invisible to most residents.
"If you ask members of our community travelling through a downtown area in Arnprior, or Renfrew, or Barry's Bay, they might tell you, 'No, no, homelessness is not an issue in Renfrew county - it's an issue in Ottawa or Toronto," Studham said.
To tackle rural homelessness, Renfrew County will be opening a refuge at 'The Grind Coffee House' in Pembroke.
Studham said funding for these services is one of the most difficult issues to deal with.
To help raise money, the refuge will be hosting 'The Coldest Night of the Year' fundraising event in February.