Guelph and Kitchener Set for New Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Hubs

The Ontario government has announced details of its $378 million plan to establish 19 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, including locations in Guelph and Kitchener. This initiative follows the closure of 10 Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) sites near schools and daycares, including those at 150 Duke Street in Kitchener and 176 Wyndham Street North in Guelph.

• Guelph HART Hub:

  • Located at the former CTS site in Guelph, now named the Guelph-Wellington HART Hub.
  • Services will include mental health and addiction care, housing support, 24/7 crisis services, crisis stabilization beds, and withdrawal management beds.
  • Existing services from the Guelph Community Health Centre, such as addiction medicine, crisis response teams, and health care for vulnerable populations, will be integrated.
  • Additional details on implementation are pending.

• Kitchener HART Hub:

  • To be relocated to 44 Francis Street South in the Tannery building.
  • Will expand community outreach, provide mental health and addiction care, shelter beds, housing, and social services.
  • Satellite hubs with naloxone access are planned but lack specific details.
  • Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo and House of Friendship will lead operations.

The first hubs are expected to open by March 31, 2025.