JOINT RELEASE – A network of local system partners is proud to announce the official launch of The HART of Simcoe County, a new program serving Barrie and surrounding communities.
The HART of Simcoe County is a regional network of care teams focused on providing Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment support (HART) to individuals with urgent needs. The program emphasizes multiple access points and flexible pathways, ensuring a person-centered, accessible, safe, and low-barrier approach to care. It is designed to support individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness by connecting them to integrated, locally tailored health and human services. The program will also support Indigenous members of the community through specific service connections to Indigenous team members and services.
Funding for the HART Hub in Barrie and surrounding communities was announced by the Provincial Government in January 2025. Through a phased rollout beginning in late June 2025, the program will launch with innovative mobile outreach teams to engage potential participants. Once enrolled, clients will follow a pathway of supports and services, tailored to their needs, including:
- Outreach
- Withdrawal Management
- Live-in Addiction Treatment and Pre-treatment
- Mental Health Treatment
- Crisis Support
- Housing
- Employment and Social Supports
- Indigenous-specific Services
Unlike other HART Hub models currently starting in other parts of the province, where safe consumption sites/hubs may have previously existed, The HART of Simcoe County will operate services and supports across different locations. These include existing clinical and social service sites, as well as new service points introduced through this initiative. Rather than a single hub, the program is a collaborative network of service, support, and care providers working together to guide clients through recovery, housing and living stability, and overall well-being.
This is not something that one organization can do alone. The HART of Simcoe County is made possible by: Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team, Barrie Native Friendship Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association – Simcoe County Branch (CMHA SCB), County of Simcoe, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin IIPCT/ Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.
For more details, please see attached fact sheet or visit simcoe.ca/HART
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. This is just one more way that the County and its partners are #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp.
Quotes
“We are very hopeful that the HART of Simcoe County program will make a real impact on our community and help improve the wellbeing of people who participate in program. This is a chance to rethink and reshape the treatment, care and support we offer people in need, and I thank all our partners for working together to find a made in Simcoe solution to this provincial initiative.” ~ Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
“Through the HART Hub, we’re creating a space where Indigenous community members can access care that reflects their culture, values, and lived experience. Members of our community deserve care that is wholistic, trauma-informed, and rooted in trust.” ~ Lynn Monague-Sauvé, President of the Board of Directors, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC)
“This initiative is a vital step forward in how we support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. By working alongside our partners to prioritize safety, support and stability, we are expanding access to person-centred, housing-based care that meets people where they are. Together, we’re building a more connected and compassionate system—one that helps people heal and thrive.” ~ Dana Naylor, Vice President, Clinical, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) and Regional Vice President, Cancer Services, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)
“Too often individuals without access to primary care are left relying on walk-in clinics or emergency departments. We’re grateful that primary care has been included as a key component in planning for the HART Hub. Access to primary care is one of the most significant barriers faced by those seeking help and now we can begin to break down that barrier—providing not only timely care, but also ongoing support. Through strong partnerships, we’re able to deliver continuous, compassionate care that meets individuals where they are—and where they’re going.” ~ Dr. Matt Orava, Co-Chair of the BAOHT’s Primary Care Network Executive and Associate Lead Family Physician, Barrie Family Health Organization
“Our work within the HART Hub exemplifies the strength of coordinated, community-driven care. By collaborating across sectors, CMHA SCB ensures the individuals we serve benefit from a seamless network of supports — from crisis intervention to housing and addiction services — that address the whole person’s needs.” ~ Sarah Banbury, CEO, CMHA SCB
“Waypoint is proud to be a partner in this initiative. By combining the skills, experience and determination of all the partners, we will make a positive impact in the lives of people struggling with mental illness, addictions and homelessness. We look forward to supporting this initiative with our specialized capabilities, helping patients on the path to recovery.” ~ Michael Dunn, Director, Health Systems, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
“The launch of the HART Hub marks a transformative moment for our community,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “There has been a clear gap in how we address the growing crisis of homelessness, addiction, and mental health locally. This hub will provide access to supportive housing, rehabilitation, and other critical services through a coordinated effort between our health and social service partners. We’re thankful to the province for this important investment in our community, and to the County of Simcoe and RVH for their leadership in driving this initiative forward.” ~ Mayor Alex Nuttall, City of Barrie
“The Barrie Native Friendship Centre is excited to partner with community organizations in the HART Hub’s integrated care model. We’re honored to provide a dedicated intake pathway for Indigenous persons experiencing homelessness who are seeking addiction treatment. This crucial partnership creates opportunities for Indigenous community members who may be living unhoused to find community and cultural programs that are based on the 7 Grandfather teachings.” ~ Michael Culver, Kizhaay Coordinator, Barrie Native Friendship Club