Windsor’s HART Hub Shows Early Promise in Recovery Efforts

The Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hub in Windsor, Ontario, is demonstrating early success just under two months after its soft launch. According to Bill Marra, CEO of Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, approximately 45 individuals have engaged with the program since its opening in late September 2023. While comprehensive data is still forthcoming, initial signs suggest the hub is making a positive impact on the community.

The HART hub has introduced 23 new treatment beds at various locations, with plans for additional ones in the near future. Marra stated, “Early days, I can say the uptake has been good, the response has been good.” The hub operates on a voluntary basis, which he views as a positive indicator of community engagement, as it has filled its treatment beds relatively quickly.

Currently, the Hotel-Dieu campus houses 16 treatment beds, which have seen an occupancy of between eight and 12 individuals. Additionally, the hospital offers four stabilization beds for individuals who have completed withdrawal management but have not yet entered a full treatment program. These stabilization beds are not funded through the HART hub but are crucial in the recovery process.

Streamlined Access and Flexible Services

The HART hub is designed to be a low-barrier service, meaning individuals can access help without lengthy procedures. Marra emphasized that referrals can come from various sources, including self-referrals. Individuals can contact the hub directly or walk in at any time. The system aims to minimize wait times between a person’s decision to seek help and their actual entry into the program.

“Our model looks at primary care, withdrawal management, treatment, and housing,” Marra explained. This holistic approach is informed by years of observing the needs of individuals in recovery.

The provincial government announced the HART hub’s opening in an email to local media, confirming its operational status since September. Marra acknowledged that the original plan was for a spring launch, but logistical challenges delayed the process. He noted, “You can’t afford to have a soft launch with mistakes or concerns in health care.”

Despite the various entry points into the program, Marra highlighted a significant statistic: approximately 92 percent of individuals who have accessed the HART hub were assessed and diverted from traditional emergency rooms. This reflects the hub’s effectiveness in providing immediate assistance to individuals in need.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans

While the term “hub” might suggest a centralized service model, Marra clarified that this approach would not have been cost-effective. Instead, various facilities across the region are utilized, including an under-utilized wing of the hospital and minor renovations at Brentwood Recovery Home, another partner in the HART initiative. These changes will soon allow for the opening of transitional housing beds as part of the hub model.

Brentwood Recovery Home will offer pathways for individuals who have progressed through treatment at Hotel-Dieu. They can enter either a three-month program with dedicated HART beds or one of the new transitional housing options. These 32 beds—16 each for men and women—are expected to be operational within four to six weeks, providing crucial support for individuals as they seek employment and permanent housing.

Funding for the HART hub has been committed for three years at a rate of $6 million per year. Marra expressed optimism about securing continued support beyond this initial period. “It’s really about ensuring that the proof of concept is delivering on the outcomes that we want,” he stated.

Listening to feedback from clients and community partners is critical for the hub’s evolution. Marra anticipates that the system will adapt over time based on the experiences of those it serves. “I’ll bet that we’ll talk about a system that looks a little bit different or maybe a lot different from what we’ve learned,” he said. “That’s very normal and very healthy, especially when you’re delivering health care.”

As Windsor’s HART hub continues to develop, its early indicators of success highlight the importance of accessible and flexible treatment options for individuals facing homelessness and addiction challenges.