Less than four months after Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare submitted a submission to open a homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hub, the province approved its application.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced an additional 18 HART Hubs in the province on Monday. Nine were approved in London, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener, Guelph, and Thunder Bay previously. The hubs are part of the province's plan to invest $529 million in addiction and mental health services while banning drug injection sites located within 200 metres of schools and licensed childcare centres.
Co-led by Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, House of Sophrosyne, and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre, the hub will provide those experiencing homelessness and seeking support for their addiction and mental health with critical services. The hubs will also add 540 supportive housing units across Ontario, helping thousands of people transition to stable long-term housing.
"Today's announcement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create safer, healthier communities here in Windsor and across the province," said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie. "These new HART Hubs will provide those struggling with addiction and mental health with primary care, support and services that they need to overcome the complex challenges they face."
Dowie called the announcement proof that when municipal leaders express serious concerns about community safety, his government acts.
He said there are still some details to finalize, but the hubs could open on April 1.
"Today's announcement -- is a great step forward in supporting the marginalized residents of Windsor-Essex,' said President and CEO of HDGH Bill Marra. "As co-lead, HDGH is excited to hear more from the government and continue our collaboration with our co-leads and other partners that are instrumental in the success of this hub."
HDGH and its co-leads responded to a call for proposals last summer, and Monday's announcement brings the provincial total of hubs to 27, eight more than initially planned.