Mental health and addiction ‘HART Hubs’ coming to Ontario region

Durham Region’s newest ‘HART Hub’ for mental health and addictions care opened Friday, albeit in a temporary location.

Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (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 HART Hub will deliver services in collaboration with partners including the Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC), which will serve as the lead agency, working in collaboration with partner organizations to deliver services.

Services are being offered through an interim partner location at the DCHC Oshawa site to support clients while the permanent Whitby HART Hub site is planned to open in 2026-27.

“The Whitby HART Hub represents a transformative step toward coordinated, community-based care for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges,” said DCHC CEO Francis Garwe. “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.”

The funding is part of the province’s almost $550 million investment to open 28 HART Hubs across Ontario to improve access to recovery and treatment services for people facing housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges.

DCHC CEO Francis Garwe

“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.”

The Hub brings togethers a collaborative network of clinical, social service and care providers working to deliver services tailored to local needs, including system navigation to help people find and connect to the services and supports they need; mental health and addiction support; primary care; health promotion; peer support; case management; and transitional housing.

“The launch of this HART Hub is an important step forward in how we support residents experiencing homelessness and addiction,” said Durham Chair John Henry. “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.”

The Whitby HART Hub will deliver services in partnership with DCHC, the Region of Durham, GraceWins Peer Support, Victim Services of Durham Region and Lakeridge Health.

A second HART Hub, located in Oshawa in collaboration with Canadian Mental Health Association Durham, is expected to open this spring.

“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.”

In 2026–27, expanded services will include mobile services offering basic‑needs and primary care services, addictions outreach and group programming, 24/7 supportive recovery beds, supportive housing and mental health consultation services.

Nine former Consumption and Treatment Services sites – shut down by the Doug Ford government – have transitioned to HART Hubs, as of last spring. With a focus on treatment and recovery, HART Hubs will not offer safer supply, supervised drug consumption or needle exchange programs.

HART Hubs will also add close to 900 supportive housing units across the province.

“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,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “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.”