A one-stop, support centre for youth in Sarnia held its grand opening Friday afternoon.
Since opening February 13, and up until April 30, there have been nearly 800 youth visits to The Hub.
A ribbon cutting and community barbecue celebrated the 35 community partners that came together since 2014 to make the project a reality.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey also formally announced an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of more than $63,000 for The Hub's first year of operation.
"The level of collaboration from the community of The Hub initiative speaks to the desire of our community to see young people achieve their absolute best," says Bailey. "The Hub is going to make a positive difference in the lives of young people in Sarnia-Lambton."
Located at the east end of St. Luke's United Church on Wellington St. near Indian Rd., the facility connects youth aged 16 to 24, to various services including Ontario Works, housing and education, and mental health and addiction support.
Executive Director Carrie McEachran says housing is one of the most sought after services.
"We're getting many requests around looking for apartments and looking for houses," says McEachran. "That can be a challenge in Sarnia because not many people want to rent to youth. So, we're receiving a lot of requests for transitional housing."
As of April 30 nearly 700 dinner meals had been provided and many youth used laundry and shower facilities.
