CMHA Algoma awaits provincial HART Hub funding 6 months after announcement

CMHA Algoma awaits provincial funding letter for Sault Ste. Marie’s HART Hub six months after the announcement.

Six months after Sault Ste. Marie was named one of 28 communities set to receive a share of nearly $500 million in provincial funding for homelessness and addiction treatment, no money has been transferred. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Algoma, the designated service provider for the local Homelessness & Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, says it is still waiting for the official funding letter outlining the terms and conditions.

Funding delay frustrates progress

Lisa Case, CEO of CMHA Algoma, expressed cautious optimism about the situation.

“I think we’re very close. I hope we’re very close,” she said. Despite the lack of confirmed funding, Case emphasized that her team has remained proactive.

“Our team is as ready as we can be with the information that we have so far. We are working actively on finalizing job descriptions, service agreements, training, education, service pathways and what those will look like and how they may change,” she said.

While some staff are already undergoing training for new roles within the HART Hub, Case noted that additional hiring will be necessary once funding is secured.

Multi-faceted approach to homelessness and addiction

Each HART Hub service provider will address homelessness and addiction through tailored strategies. Case stated that CMHA Algoma’s comprehensive plans will allow them to act swiftly once funding arrives.

“Part of our proposal is to be able to enhance the services that we already have in our offering,” she said. “By doing that, we will be able to free up some additional funds in the system with another partner to create more supports in our community. That’s going to be tied to both the community safety and well-being plan and the homelessness plan in our community.”

Key components of the proposal include restructuring operations at the Community Resource Centre, relocating the low-barrier shelter and adding 50 new supportive housing units.

“Not just housing, but with supports, with case management, housing outreach, mental health and addictions counselling, addiction medicine, a bit of primary care as well,” Case elaborated.

Collaboration across northern Ontario

While awaiting provincial confirmation, CMHA Algoma has been leveraging partnerships to prepare for implementation.

“CMHAs across the province that are lead agencies for the HART Hubs – we have a community of practice. We meet regularly to discuss everything from site planning, job descriptions, recruitment, training, service models, pathways—the whole bit,” Case said.

She also highlighted coordination with other northern Ontario HART Hubs through a separate pan-Northern community of practice. Additionally, CMHA Algoma maintains near-daily communication with Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury and Mamaweswen leadership, though both organizations are also awaiting formal funding letters from the province.

Health Sciences North moves forward, Mamaweswen silent

Sudbury’s Lorraine Street Project, part of its HART Hub application, opened this week. However, Health Sciences North officials did not clarify whether the launch was connected to HART Hub funding. Meanwhile, Mamaweswen leadership did not respond to requests for comment.

‘Chomping at the bit’

As the province finalizes funding agreements, CMHA Algoma remains poised to act.

“We’re chomping at the bit to move this forward,” Case reiterated, underscoring the urgency of addressing homelessness and addiction in Sault Ste. Marie.