Ontario Opens New Supportive Housing Hub in Kawartha Lakes to Address Homelessness
Supportive Housing Hub in Kawartha Lakes Expands Access to Shelter and Community Care
LINDSAY — The Ontario government is expanding supportive housing options with the opening of a new emergency shelter in Kawartha Lakes, aimed at helping individuals experiencing homelessness access safe accommodation and essential services.
The Integrated Care Hub, located at 22 Peel Street, has officially opened with 12 emergency shelter beds, supported by an $850,000 provincial investment through Ontario’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP).
New Hub Provides Wraparound Support Services
Operated by the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas, the facility offers more than just overnight shelter. The hub provides a low-barrier, integrated approach to care, including:
- Drop-in services
- Life skills support
- Health-related services in partnership with Ontario Health
- Access to basic needs such as meals, showers and laundry
- Connections to broader community and health supports
Officials say the hub is strategically located near key amenities, helping residents access services more easily while supporting their path toward stability.
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack said the project reflects the province’s broader commitment to expanding supportive housing.
“Every person in Ontario deserves access to safe and stable housing,” Flack said. “Together with our municipal partners, our government is expanding supportive housing across the province to protect our most vulnerable residents.”
Local Partnerships Key to Project Delivery
The City of Kawartha Lakes partnered with the province and local organizations to bring the project to completion. Mayor Doug Elmslie highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing homelessness.
“This emergency shelter will make a huge difference in our community and will allow residents to get the care they need,” Elmslie said.
Kristal Jones, Program Director of the Community Integrated Care Hub, said the facility is designed to provide person-centred, harm-reduction-based services under a “No Wrong Door” model.
“This hub represents a compassionate and practical response to complex challenges in our community,” Jones said, noting the goal of providing centralized, accessible support for individuals in need.
Part of Broader Provincial Strategy
The project is funded through Ontario’s Homelessness Prevention Program, which provides municipalities with flexible funding to address housing needs in their communities.
For the 2025–26 fiscal year, the province has allocated $654 million to the program, supporting initiatives such as:
- Emergency shelters
- Supportive housing developments
- Housing assistance and outreach services
Officials say this localized approach allows municipalities to tailor solutions to their specific housing challenges.
Supporting Vulnerable Residents
The new Integrated Care Hub is part of a growing network of supportive housing initiatives across Ontario aimed at reducing homelessness and improving access to services.
Provincial representatives say investments like this are critical to creating long-term pathways to housing stability, particularly for individuals facing complex challenges such as mental health issues, addiction or economic hardship.
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