‘Vital resources’: New homelessness and addiction hub announced for Brockville
Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health in Brockville was announced as a location for one of 27 new HART (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Hubs to be implemented across Ontario in support of those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
The Province of Ontario is investing a total of $529 million in these Hubs, which aim to support safer communities. Eighteen hubs were announced on Monday, Jan. 27, in addition to nine that were approved several weeks earlier. The locations were chosen as a result of a province-wide call for proposals last summer.
All HART Hubs will have the goal of being operational by April 1, 2025. They will be modelled after existing hubs in Ontario, including two in London, and will reflect regional priorities by connecting people with complex needs to comprehensive treatment and preventative services. These include a range of services to meet local needs such as primary care, mental health services, addictions care, social services and employment support.
HART Hubs will also add an estimated 540 highly supportive housing units across all 27 HART Hubs, in addition to addiction recovery and treatment beds, helping thousands of people each year transition to more stable long-term housing. Brockvilleist has reached out to the province to determine how many housing units and beds will be added locally, and will update this story when the information is made available.
Brockville mayor Matt Wren said that by locating a HART Hub in the city to serve Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, the Government of Ontario is demonstrating it recognizes that the challenges of mental health, addictions, and homelessness extend beyond large urban centres.
“Small-town and rural Ontario have also been deeply impacted,” the mayor noted. “I am grateful to the Ford government for directing these vital resources to our community, ensuring we are better equipped to support those in need and making our community safer for all who live here.”
Peter McKenna, deputy mayor of the Town of Smiths Falls, added that the town’s local mental health service providers have been advocating for mental health and addictions supports for some time.
“Substance use and mental health disorders are significant public health challenges that often co-occur and require comprehensive, integrated treatment approaches,” McKenna said. “Access to effective substance use treatment and mental health supports is essential for individuals seeking to recover and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Today’s funding announcement will provide much needed financial resources to enable people to get their lives back on track.”