KAWARTHA LAKES-The Integrated Care Hub, a new emergency shelter with twelve beds opened in Kawartha Lakes today.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario government and the City of Kawartha Lakes for their support through the HPP funding. The Community Integrated Care Hub is a purpose-built space designed to provide low-barrier, person-centered services grounded in a harm reduction framework. Through a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach, the hub centralizes services and offers wrap-around supports so people can access what they need in one place, from basic needs like showers, laundry, meals, and a safe overnight space for stabilization, to service navigation and connections to health and community supports. This hub represents a compassionate and practical response to complex challenges in our community, and we are excited to begin welcoming guests and continuing this work alongside our partners.” said Kristal Jones Program Director, Community Integrated Care Hub, John Howard Society of the Kawarthas.
The project was funded by the province with an $850,000 investment to help provide more supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Every person in Ontario deserves access to safe and stable housing,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Together with our municipal partners, our government is expanding supportive housing across the province to protect our most vulnerable residents and ensure they have a safe place to rebuild their lives.”
Located at 22 Peel Street, the Integrated Care Hub provides drop-in space, life skills support and health-related services in partnership with local service providers and Ontario Health. The shelter is situated close to essential amenities and is owned and operated by the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas.
“The City of Kawartha Lakes appreciates the funding from the Ontario government, and we would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the John Howard Society for their work in making this Integrated Care Hub a reality,” said Doug Elmslie, Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes. “This emergency shelter will make a huge difference in our community and will allow residents to get the care they need. Our community is founded on compassion and coming together, and the Integrated Care Hub is emblematic of our collective commitment to lifting each other up. We are grateful for the support of all involved.”
