Sunday, May 4, 2025
More

    County aims to build up local support system for mental health and addictions in region

    Date:

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Midhurst/October 23, 2024 – The County of Simcoe, along with identified key partners recognizes a considerable need for integrated community-based services to address a homelessness health crisis through the establishment of a Homelessness & Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. As such, the County of Simcoe has applied to the Government of Ontario to host one of ten HART facilities in the province.

    Primary partners included as part of the application are Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team, Barrie Native Friendship Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association – Simcoe County Branch, (CMHA SCB), Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin IIPCT/ Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, and Barrie Cares.

    Since launching its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy in 2023, the County has been making significant investments and enhancements to social services programs and supports in Barrie and our communities. Within this 10-point plan, the pillars we have created include improving safety and well-being, creating easier ways to access services, enhancing our community shelter services and standards, and finding new opportunities. The HART Hub is one more tool that is available to us to complement these pillars and provide even better support for this vulnerable population within our community.

    In addition to supporting this pillar, we also believe this project will help increase our efforts to move residents who have been living “rough” or staying in shelters to more stable housing outcomes. We’ve seen this by providing wraparound supports in our Supportive Rapid Rehousing Program (SRRP), transitional and supportive housing, and we believe this project presents this same opportunity in addition to the support with addictions and mental health. 

    Communities whose applications have been approved to house one of the ten provincial HART Hubs will be announced by the Ontario Ministry of Health in December 2024.

    This is just one more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp.

    Quotes
    “We know that within the unhoused population in Simcoe County, a large majority of people are in need of greater supports than simply housing. That is why, when we saw the Ontario Government’s proposal to facilitate these new HART facilities across the province, we knew that with our existing 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy, we were prepared to take this on for our communities and support those who need it.”
    ~ Basil Clarke, Warden, County of Simcoe

    “The Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team (BAOHT) is committed to ensuring everyone in our community – including those facing challenges of homelessness and addiction – can access the care they need, when they need it. With the application for a new HART Hub, we have the opportunity to bring these much-needed mental health and addiction supports directly to this vulnerable population. By working together with our partners, we can create a space where individuals can access safe and compassionate care that can truly transform their lives. We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to making a meaningful impact within Simcoe County.”
    ~ Tracey Fletcher, Chair, BAOHT and Operations Director, Medicine, Innisfil Health and Wellness Centre (Rizzardo), RVH

    “We know that mental health and addiction challenges cannot be separated from the broader issues of homelessness and social instability. The proposed HART Hub will offer a vital, integrated response that meets individuals where they are, providing the services they need to heal and thrive. We are eager to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on our community.”
    ~ Dr. Jennifer Fillingham, Interim CEO, CMHA SCB

    “Collaborative and trauma-informed initiatives that address mental health and addictions needs have been identified as Indigenous key priorities in the region. As an Indigenous led and Indigenous governed organization, BANAC is proud to support this initiative as an Indigenous collaborator and to work with partners to support Indigenous communities.”
    ~ Lynn Monague-Sauve, President, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle 

    “RVH’s purpose is to be there for our community in providing the care they need when they need it. To be effective in meeting this purpose, we look for opportunities to collaborate with partners, combining expertise and resources to best serve our community. Between all the partners and RVH’s ability to support with the addiction recovery aspect of the HART Hub, we will be able to support the treatment, recovery and housing needs of the most vulnerable individuals within our community.”
    ~ Gail Hunt, President and CEO, RVH

    “Our HART Hub application will offer a range of services to our community’s most vulnerable. This includes Indigenous health and wellness programming, substance use treatment, specialized mental health care and transitional and supportive housing. Through taking a collaborative approach we are confident that we can build a truly innovative and highly impactful model.”
    ~ Dr. Kevin Young, Vice President, Medical Affairs & Chief of Staff, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care 

    “Barrie Native Friendship Centre supports and responds to the needs of the urban Indigenous community in Barrie and is hopeful the services that will be provided by the HART Hub will improve the lives of all community members served by this process and lead to a more integrated approach in addressing addictions and homelessness.”
    ~ Samantha Kinoshameg, Executive Director, Barrie Native Friendship Centre

    About the HART Hub model
    HART Hubs serve clients with complex service needs (i.e. those experiencing a range of overlapping issues and marginalization including homelessness, substance use, mental health, social service support needs and unemployment) through the provision of specialized community supports. These supports may include mental heath, primary care, substance use, addiction, case management for income security, employment and social service needs. These services allow for clients to start to receive treatment, addressing presenting needs and providing a platform for positive long-term treatment outcomes with access to longer-term stabilizing services, including bed-based services.

    About the County’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy
    The plan provides a strong, data-driven strategy to help vulnerable residents and our communities. It includes considerable added investment, enhancements, and support for the unhoused population in our communities.

    The plan takes a collaborative approach to building up communities, service providers, the business community, and residents. Through this strategy, the County continues to work collaboratively with partners and municipalities to continue to prevent and end chronic homelessness. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem.

    About the County of Simcoe
    The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    POPULAR

    More Good Stuff!
    Related

    Fracked LNG is a washed-out bridge to nowhere

    By David Suzuki In 2011, the David Suzuki Foundation and...

    Drum, Dance, Play at our Awen Gathering Place | June 30th

    Free Community Event! Join us for an exciting collaboration...

    The Ambassador: Canada’s Steadfast Resolve – A Model of Political Poise?

    Navigating the U.S. Tariff Spat with Unity and Strategy The...

    Chinese Team Controls over 10,000 Drones with Single Computer in Dazzling Display

    In a dazzling display of technological prowess, a Chinese...

    Collingwood and New Tecumseth Cheers to Provincial Funding Announcement of $70M for Water Treatment Plant Expansion

    Collingwood, ON  – The Town of Collingwood and New Tecumseth...

    Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe | Jazz and Blues LIVE at the Station

    South Georgian Bay Music Foundation is delighted to present...

    The Biggest Global Risks for 2025 | TED Explains the World with Ian Bremmer

    2025 ushers in one of the most dangerous periods...

    Ally Vitally shares “The Enchantment of the Strawberry Moon”

    The first full moon of the summer is making...

    Bilingual Exhibit at the Collingwood Museum Explores Sign Languages Across Canada

    Collingwood, ON  Do you know how many distinct sign...

    Youth Climate Action Fund Now Accepting Round 2 Applications

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    Sundown Hazen had zero farming experience in starting a successful mushroom farm?

    How does someone with zero farming experience to starting...

    Remembering the Heroes of D-Day: An Eternal Salute | Collingwood Pays Respect

    Photo: Piper Al Wallace, Bugler Rob Chamber, Cadets CMWO...

    OPP Encourages Community Partnership Through CamSafe Program to Enhance Crime Solving

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - The Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment...

    Canadians stop buying American and travelling to the U.S. amid trade war | Power & Politics

    CBC’s J.P. Tasker joins Power & Politics to break...

    What Is an AI Anyway? | Mustafa Suleyman | TED

    When it comes to artificial intelligence, what are we...

    OPP AND CAFC PARTNER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF ROMANCE AND RELATIONSHIP TYPE FRAUDS

    (MIDLAND,ON)- Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)...

    #DISTURBING Facebook Fires Fact Checkers

    In a number of sweeping changes that will significantly...

    Affordable Housing Seed Funding Awarded

    Collingwood, ON  Collingwood now has a new non-profit housing...

    Trail Tunes event Connects Communities by Trail and by Song

    Trail Tunes – Another Great Reason to Visit Simcoe...

    Inside an NYC Townhouse Made From 18 Shipping Containers | Architectural Digest

    “We just respond creatively to what humanity pushes aside.”...

    ‘I think Mark Zuckerberg is a criminal.’: Steve Bannon

    ABC News’ Jonathan Karl interviews former White House chief...

    #JESUS: Trump reverses course on relations with China as Elon Musk exerts influence

    CNN's Will Ripley reports on Chinese Vice President Han...

    3 Part Harmony Play-shop with Jayden Grahlman

    Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at 6 PM - 8...

    FIREARM AND WEAPONS SEIZED FOLLOWING IMPAIRED DRIVING COMPLAINT IN MIDLAND

    (MIDLAND, ON) Two individuals are facing charges, one for weapons...

    Wanted Male Arrested with Break-In Tools, Tied to Collingwood Resort Crime

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - On Thursday, April 3, 2025, at approximately...

    THE MASKS OF FRAUD: OPP LAUNCHES FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH 2025

    Campaign empowers Canadians to recognize, reject and report fraud (OTTAWA,...

    OJHL ANNOUNCES PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

    Lindsay, Pickering, Milton stars recognized for fabulous Februaries March 6,...

    Sen. Sanders Responds to Trump’s Congressional Address

    President Trump’s Congressional Address needs a response. Here’s mine...

    Collingwood Celebrates 211 Day

    Collingwood, ON — The Town of Collingwood is...

    Collingwood is Calling for Feedback on Accessible Taxi Service

    The Town of Collingwood is committed to providing all...

    Province Announces Funding for a New Collingwood Hospital

    Collingwood, ON - Deputy Premier and Minister of...

    Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) Programs on Roadways and Trails This Weekend Here in North Simcoe

    (MIDLAND, ON) - Members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment  have been...

    Collingwood: One of Our Treasured Crossing Guards Experiences Medical Emergency

    Statement from The Office of The MayorCollingwood, ON ...

    Citizen Calls in Impaired Driving, Charges laid by Collingwood OPP

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - On February 05, 2025, a citizen reported...

    Summer Party with DJ McG | The Red Door Pub and Grill

    Join us for an amazing summer party with DJ...

    Ontario SPCA partnership ensures pets and their people stay warm this winter

    Ed Michel, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal...

    Meaford Haunted Harbour | Premiere Scary Event

    Grab your big kid pants and head on down...

    Calling All Young and Emerging Artists: Art Xpress is Back!

    Collingwood, ON – A must-see presentation - Art Xpress...

    SFO LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PORTAL AND WEBSITE TO BETTER SUPPORT VICTIMS OF SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE INVESTIGATIONS

    (TORONTO, ON) - This week the Serious Fraud Office (SFO)...

    REEL History Film Fest: Blue Clay | Craigleith Heritage Depot & Mountain Goat Film Company

    REEL History Film Fest: Blue Clay 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆...

    Trump Threatens To JAIL Protesters in FASCIST Sweep

    Donald Trump announces American citizens could be imprisoned for...

    Nation’s top vaccine official quits over RFK Jr’s ‘lies’

    Top FDA vaccine official Dr. Peter Marks is resigning...

    Harmony North Chorus | Singers Wanted

    Come and Sing with us! Learn about singing barbershop...

    Help Frankie Malloy find a Forever Home for “Garfield”, and way more…

    Our resident chaos coordinator “Frankie Malloy” is staging another...

    The Town of The Blue Mountains Celebrates Building Safety Month

    During the month of May, the Town of The...

    4K Travel Video | Unesco World Heritage Sites: Preserving Global Treasures

    UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of significant cultural...

    THE WORLD WON’T BELIEVE CHINA LOOKS LIKE THIS 🇨🇳

    We don't just share the creativity of the top...

    Ask Gracelyn: How to keep romance alive after many years together?

    Dear Gracelyn: How can we keep romance alive after...

    Love Wins with the Collingwood Pride Festival 2024

    The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay (Rainbow Club) is...

    Ally Vitally shares the “75 Scariest Attractions In The World!”

    Ever wondered what it feels like to confront your...

    County welcomes new Canadians at official Citizenship Ceremony

    Midhurst/September 20, 2024 – Capping off the County’s Week of...

    VIDEO | The Men Who Stole the World (and got away with it) | Best Documentary

    They're bankers, traders, investment funds executives. They forgot all...

    zollotech: iOS 18.2 is Out! – What’s New?

    iOS 18.2 Released and iOS 18.2 is out to...

    Smile and Greet Someone Today | Camera On Collingwood

    It's a place where community ties are strong, and everyone looks out for each other.

    Celebrating Culture and Community: And Then Came Carnival North

    Carnival North Brings Caribbean Vibes to Simcoe County For my...

    Great Learning and Fun Events at the L.E. Shore Library

    Childhood Unplugged: Author Talk with Katherine Martinko Thursday September 12,...

    The election is over. Now what?

    By David Suzuki As increasing turmoil shook the world during...

    Call for Volunteers to participate on the Family Physician Recruitment Working Group

    The Town of The Blue Mountains is seeking applications...

    VIDEO | Hunter Johnson avenges Worlds defeat, downs Staksrud for men’s singles gold.

    Watch the Men's Singles Championship match: (1) Federico Staksrud...

    Construction continues on Springwater Paramedic Post

    Construction continues... Midhurst/January 13, 2025 – Construction of the new Paramedic...

    David Frum: The crooks, crackpots and cowards of the Trump administration

    Leading author, journalist and thinker David Frum and The...

    Project 2025: The Series Episode 3 w/ AI Elon Musk, Trump, Jasmine Crockett 4k

    SCARED KETCHUP IS 90% to 100% FAN FUNDED... so...

    Rosa Sparks shares 6 Morning Habits That Are Secretly Shortening Your Life – And How to Stop Them Now!

    Are your morning habits silently stealing years from your...

    The Sex Expert: “Casual Sex Is Almost Always Dangerous For Women!” – Louise Perry

    Louise Perry is a British journalist and host of...

    Guest Food on a Caribbean Super Yacht Charter

    Following on from my last video about how I...

    Why are protectors prosecuted and polluters praised?

    By David Suzuki This summer, five climate activists in the...

    Crypto Convict Accidentally EXPOSES Maga’s Darkest Secret

    Crypto convict tries to get a pardon by going...

    Safety Tips for Biking on Collingwood Trails

    To my mind, using the wonderful Collingwood Trail Network...

    Ally Vitally | The Courtroom Drama: Trump on Trial

    This story encapsulates the atmosphere and events surrounding a...

    Her Stunning Tiny Home w/ Main Floor Bedroom & High Ceilings

    In this video, join Suzie as she takes you...

    Freakin at the Beacon with Johnny Max for TWO SETS!!!

    We have Johnny Max for 2 sets - filling...

    Up North Movers | We’ll Treat You Like Family

    Up North Movers caters to the Simcoe County area...

    The Ambassador: Small Homes, Big Impact – Solving Canada’s Housing Crisis

    A Strategic Plan for Affordable Living Canada is grappling with...

    Special Meeting of Council – January 10, 2025

    The January 10, 2025 Special Council Meeting Agenda Package...

    Special show-and-tell Collectors Night happening at the Collingwood Legion Military Museum

    Collingwood, ON - The Collingwood Museum and the Collingwood...

    In Spite of Ourselves – An Evening of John Prine | Johnny Max Band

    Wednesday, June 19 @ 7:30 pm - $55 |...

    ONGOING RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER EVENT

    Avoid Using Gas-Powered Equipment Indoors (ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial...

    Why Cohousing Communities are the Future of Living

    Green Grove is a fun-loving, vibrant, family-friendly community embracing...

    Marc Suood shares “How to Play Pickleball: “The Ultimate Guide on Pickleball Rules”| VIDEO

    Every Saturday, Marc Suood shares a pickleball video or...

    BARD ON THE BAY 2024 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

    MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SYNOPSIS Beatrice and Benedick have...

    THEATRE COLLINGWOOD’S 2025 PORCHSIDE FESTIVAL TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY!

    Welcome to the 5th Annual Porchside Festival! It’s hard to...

    OPP Seeking Assistance in Break and Enter & Theft / Mischief Investigation at St. Mary’s Church Victoria Harbour

    (TAY TOWNSHIP,ON)- Investigators from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment are seeking...

    Collingwood OPP Charges Driver Following Concerning Delivery Incident

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - On April 4, 2025, at approximately 11:50...

    Dollar Villa – Your Gift Giving Headquarters in Collingwood

    Some great ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers from...

    Collingwood Fire is inviting you to have some fun this Fire Prevention Week October 6-12

    Collingwood, ON  –  October 6-12, 2024, marks the 102nd anniversary...

    Smashes, Dinks, Serves, and Streaming: Your Pickleball Video Guide + Netflix Doc!

    The History of Pickleball: From Its Humble Beginnings to...

    Keen Eyed OPP Officer Makes Vehicle Stop Resulting in Drug Seizure and Vehicle Impound

    (TINY TOWNSHIP, ON) -  An early morning vehicle stop on Simcoe...

    Johns/Johns v Alshon/Daescu at the Zimmer Biomet Masters

    Respect to the John's Brothers, outstanding career!!! Watch the Mens...

    The Town of The Blue Mountains | Public Meeting – July 9, 2024

    Council, Public Meeting - July 9, 2024 The Town of...

    County of Simcoe to recognize Age-Friendly Champions

    Midhurst/January 23, 2025 – On January 28, 2025, at 5:30...

    Shania Twang: A Tribute to Shania Twain | Side Launch Brewing Company

    We will be transforming the Side Launch parking lot...

    Premiere Regional Event | Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival

    Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival is an annual music...