On January 27, 2025, thanks to an announcement by Sylvia Jones, the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Ontario, residents of Windsor-Essex will soon see the creation of a local Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

Minister Jones announced the approval of Windsor-Essex’s application, less than 4 months after the community’s submission.

Co-led by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, House of Sophrosyne and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre, with support from the Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team, the approval of the local application means individuals in our community will have enhanced access to a range of local services that will best meet the complex needs of individuals.

“This is great news for the Windsor-Essex area. We are truly honored to have the opportunity to collaborate as co-leads with HDGH on this initiative. Alongside our community partners, we will provide comprehensive support to positively impact the journey of those who stand to benefit from the HART Hub,” said Karen Waddell, CEO, House of Sophrosyne & Nancy Brockenshire, Executive Director, Windsor Essex Community Health Centre.

“HART hub stands for Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment hub. A HART hub will help people suffering from addictions to get back on the road to recovery. This HART hub will help people in our region,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex.

The HART Hub will serve individuals from Windsor and Essex County who are 16 years and older and who are experiencing active homelessness AND who are seeking support for their addiction and mental health concerns.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create safer, healthier communities here in Windsor and across the province of Ontario,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh on January 27.

“The new HART Hubs will provide those struggling with addiction and mental health with the primary care, support and services that they need to overcome the complex challenges they face. This initiative just goes to show that when our municipal leaders express serious concerns about community safety, our government hears and acts. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on Windsor families and individuals in need.”

This low-barrier solution will provide access to a range of services, co-located in the same physical space that responds to the complex, unique needs of individuals in our region who are experiencing a range of overlapping issues and marginalization.

“Today’s announcement from the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Ontario, Sylvia Jones, is a great step forward in supporting the marginalized residents of Windsor-Essex. As co-lead, HDGH is excited to hear more from the Government and continue our collaboration with our co-leads and other partners that are instrumental in the success of this Hub,” said Bill Marra, President and CEO, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

“I commend our Minister and her colleagues for their continued commitment to filling the gaps in mental health and addiction care through the augmentation and creation of new services.”

While this announcement is an important step, there are still details to be finalized and we look forward to working with our partners and Government in the days and weeks ahead.

“On behalf of the Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team, we are incredibly proud of the successful application of HART Hubs, bringing essential services to Windsor-Essex. This initiative exemplifies our ongoing commitment to improving access to care by fostering collaboration amongst community partners,” said Kristin Kennedy & Dr. Ken Blanchette, WEOHT Steering Committee Co-Chairs, Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team.