SHIP and Dufferin County Work Together to Enhance Community Support with HART Hub

SHIP and Dufferin County Work Together to Enhance Community Support with HART Hub

Dufferin County, ON – January 31, 2025 – The Government of Ontario recently announced funding for new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, including one for Dufferin County – a huge step forward for critical services in our community.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones says the Ford Government is investing $529 million to create 27 HART Hubs across the province and represents a critical step forward in addressing homelessness and addiction challenges in our community.

The Dufferin HART Hub proposal was jointly developed with the support of 14 organizations in consultation with numerous others to address key service gaps in our community addressing homelessness, mental health, primary care, substance use and poverty in our community.

The Dufferin HART Hub will provide individuals facing challenges with substance use, mental health, and homelessness with rapid specialized care and comprehensive, wraparound supports. Services will include primary care, mental health and addiction care, social services, employment support, and supportive housing, creating a holistic pathway to stability and recovery. Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) will take a lead role in coordinating the Dufferin HART Hub, leveraging its experience in delivering community-based housing and support services.

“Collaboration has been key in securing this funding,” said Lesley Nagoda, CEO of SHIP, “this is more than just funding; it’s a commitment to the wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents. The Dufferin HART Hub will enable us to expand access to critical supports where people can find stability, support and a path forward.”

Janet Horner, Warden of Dufferin County, also expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “The Provincial investment in the Dufferin County HART Hub will help us better address housing and local public health services for the residents that need them. We are happy to hear of this announcement from the Province, and look forward to continuing to work with SHIP, other local partners and all levels of government to support those most vulnerable in our community by providing integrated, essential services to address mental health, addiction and housing in Dufferin County.” This historic investment demonstrates a commitment to improving access to integrated care and addressing the root causes of homelessness and addiction.

The creation of the HART Hubs is part of the Provincial Government’s broader strategy to build a nation-leading system of mental health and addictions care through the Roadmap to Wellness and Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care. This historic investment demonstrates a commitment to improving access to integrated care and addressing the root causes of homelessness and addiction.

“We applaud the Provincial Government for taking bold action to support individuals and communities across Ontario,” said Nagoda. “SHIP is honoured to play a role in the development of the Dufferin HART Hub, and with funding now confirmed we look forward to collaborating with partners to get these services up and running to create meaningful change for those we serve.”

For more information about the Dufferin HART Hub, please contact:

Media Contact: Ross Harding
Communications & Social Media Specialist
Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP)
Phone: 416-294-5046
Email: ross.harding@shipshey.ca
Website: www.shipshey.ca

Current Partners: