Council to consider proposal for homelessness and addiction treatment center

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Programs provided through a proposed Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Center would help thousands of people annually, says a report prepared for councilors.

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The report, to be presented to councilors at a special council meeting on October 15, says the center would help at least 6,000 people a year through a projected 20,000 interactions. Councilors will be asked to endorse a request to establish a HART Hub to serve Brantford and Brant County.

The application is being led by SOAR Community Services with input and support from various community agencies. It’s in support of a four-year, $378 million provincial government initiative to create 10 new HART centers across Ontario.

The centers would connect people with complex needs to a comprehensive, local treatment approach. They will provide a range of services, including primary care, mental health and addiction care, social services and employment support, the report says.

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Additionally, the centers will increase availability and access to supportive housing to promote stability for clients and communities, the report states.

The province aims to have the centers operational by winter 2025.

Formerly known as St. Leonard’s Community Services, SOAR has provided housing, employment, justice facilities and mental health programs in the community for more than 56 years. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

The report, prepared by city officials, states that SOAR has extensive formal and informal relationships with community partners to provide coordinated and comprehensive services to clients.

The partnerships cover outbuildings, housing and emergency shelter and the Housing Resource Center which is funded and operated through a partnership with the city, the report says.

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“They (SOAR) have a track record of effectively managing funding contracts, efficiently and effectively utilizing project resources, executing project deliverables, implementing and overseeing complex programs, and collaborating effectively with partners,” states the report. “SOAR’s senior leadership team has more than 50 years of combined experience in health and social services, and expertise in program development, implementation, evaluation and quality improvement.”

The city and county face significant challenges related to homelessness and addiction. The establishment of a HART Center in the region is essential to address these issues comprehensively and effectively, the report states.

The center would provide a centralized location for services and would be supported by community agencies including Brantford Native Housing Aboriginal Health Centre, Grand River Community Health Centre, Brant Community Health Centre.

According to the report

• At least 40 people per year would be supported for access withdrawal management through HART Hub.
• At least 20 people per year would have access to bedside addiction treatment.
• A minimum of 24 people will be cared for annually in transitional housing units, with individualized post-treatment support, including intensive supportive housing.

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