Ontario Opens Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in Durham Region

WHITBY — The Ontario government is expanding access to high-quality mental health and addictions care with the launch of a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Whitby. This is part of the province’s almost $550 million investment to open 28 HART Hubs across Ontario to protect the safety of children and families, while improving access to recovery and treatment services for people facing housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges.

“We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addictions care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in Durham Region can access support services that prioritizes their path to recovery and strengthen community safety.”

HART Hubs connect people to a range of comprehensive treatment and recovery services such as primary care, mental health services, addictions care, social services and employment support.

The Whitby HART Hub will deliver services in collaboration with partners including the Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC). The Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) will serve as the lead agency for the Whitby HART Hub, working in collaboration with partner organizations to deliver services.

The Hub brings togethers a collaborative network of clinical, social service and care providers working to deliver services tailored to local needs, including:

Mental Health and addiction support
Primary Care
System navigation to help people find and connect to the services and supports they need
Health promotion
Peer support
Case management
Transitional housing

Quotes

“The Whitby Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub will be a cornerstone of support for those struggling with mental health and addiction challenges,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby. “By focusing on treatment and recovery, this Hub will help residents regain control of their lives while ensuring our community remains supported. This new HART hub reflects our government’s long standing commitment to providing meaningful resources and compassionate care to those who need it most.”

– Lorne Coe
Member of Provincial Parliament, Whitby

“Through the ongoing expansion of our HART Hub network, our government is expanding access to mental health and addiction services across Ontario and here in Durham Region. The new HART Hub in Whitby, in partnership with the Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC), will make it easier to access services to navigate life’s challenges. ”

– Todd McCarthy
Member of Provincial Parliament, Durham

“The launch of the Whitby HART Hub marks an important step in expanding recovery oriented, wraparound supports for individuals facing homelessness and addiction. Our partnership with the Durham Community Health Centre is ensuring that these essential services are available to residents as quickly and effectively as possible.”

– Peter Bethlenfalvy
Member of Provincial Parliament, Pickering-Uxbridge

“The launch of this HART Hub is an important step forward in how we support residents experiencing homelessness and addiction. Through our partnership with Durham Community Health Centre and our many community partners, we are bringing co-ordinated, wraparound supports to people who need them most. This collaborative approach paired with Durham Region’s commitment to supportive housing, will deliver better outcomes and help our communities thrive.”

– John Henry
Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Regional Municipality of Durham

“Addressing homelessness, mental health and addiction requires a strong network of supports. The new HART Hub in Whitby will help connect Durham residents to the treatment and recovery services they need to rebuild their lives. Initiatives like this recognize that lasting solutions come from healthcare providers, community organizations, and government working together. We are grateful to the Province of Ontario, Durham Community Health Centre, and the Region of Durham for bringing this critical resource to our community.”

– Elizabeth Roy
Mayor of Whitby

“The HART Hub model represents a meaningful shift in how we respond to addiction, homelessness and complex mental health challenges in our communities,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “By bringing together health care, addictions treatment, housing supports and social services under one coordinated system, HART Hubs offer wrap-around, recover-focused care guided by compassion and delivered with dignity to support people on their path to long-term recovery.”

– Dan Carter
Mayor of Oshawa

“The Whitby HART Hub represents a transformative step toward coordinated, community-based care for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges. Through the support of the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Region of Durham, and our community partners, we are advancing an integrated model that expands access to care, restores dignity and delivers better outcomes for our community.”

– Francis Garwe
CEO, Durham Community Health Centre