"We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addiction care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery," said Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Vijay Thanigasalam in Windsor on Friday.
The Ontario government, in collaboration with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, the House of Sophrosyne, and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre, is opening a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in Windsor.
The hub is already up and running.
"The early success of Windsor's HART Hub shows the real impact we can make when we invest in compassionate, specialized care for our most vulnerable residents," said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.
It's part of the Ford government's $550-million plan to open 28 so-called HART Hubs across Ontario to improve access to recovery and treatment services for those facing homelessness, housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges.
The hubs will connect people to comprehensive treatment and recovery services, including primary care, mental health services, addiction care, social services, and employment support.
"Rather than getting needles, people can get treatment, counselling, and a temporary place to stay if they are experiencing homelessness," added Essex MPP Anthony Leardi. "The HART Hub is a place where you can get your life back."
The government plans to add close to 900 housing units to the hubs. That's over the 300 originally planned to help people transition to stable, long-term housing.
Ontario also invested $303-million over the next three years to support community-led and delivered mental health programs.
