London’s new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hub, open for two months, provides integrated support for people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. The site has 33 beds, all currently occupied, housing individuals including pregnant women, people recovering from serious medical issues, and youth no longer forced to couch surf.
Carlos Buschinelli, who oversees the London hub, highlighted the community atmosphere, with residents supporting one another while working on recovery and pursuing stable housing. The site received nearly 300 inquiries in December alone. Ontario has opened 23 HART hubs across the province, with five more planned for 2026, offering a “one-stop shop” for services including psychiatric care, counseling, withdrawal management, and other supports.
The London hub features a buddy system for accountability in the early stages, encouraging residents to build relationships and form supportive networks. Lounges and shared activities such as arts and crafts foster a sense of community, while other hubs, like Windsor’s, connect people to family doctors, dental care, and legal services.
The program is voluntary, and early uptake suggests strong demand. Approximately 92% of participants have been diverted from emergency rooms. HART hubs also partially replace supervised consumption sites, providing care while maintaining community safety. They aim to support recovery, stability, and healthier outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Read the full story on CBC: