The new Grey-Bruce Community Services Hub, called Housing, Outreach & Wellness Grey-Bruce (HOW Grey-Bruce) is now open.
The hub combines access for community members to mental health and addictions services, housing supports and system navigation. The hub was created in downtown Owen Sound as an initiative through a partnership of Grey Bruce Health Services, Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services, Grey County and Bruce County. The location is 854 2nd Ave. E, and it will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The central downtown location was chosen as a way to have a more coordinated response to mental health and addictions needs, homelessness and other identified needs from a health perspective focusing on social detriments or challenges. It will also increase partnerships of human service providers in the region.
The new building is taking all necessary COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required to enter and physical distancing must be practiced.
“I believe this collaboration will improve both the access and coordination of services,” said CMHA Grey Bruce CEO Clark MacFarlane. “This will contribute to better outcomes for those we serve.”
The major services offered at the new hub include a mental health clinic run by Grey Bruce Health Services, as well as outreach services by CMHA Grey Bruce. There are also new supports for those experiencing homelessness available at HOW Grey-Bruce, with a housing system navigator that will work with individuals throughout Grey and Bruce experiencing chronic homelessness to link them with community supports and affordable housing.
Funding for the hub was made possible through Grey and Bruce counties, with assistance courtesy of Grey Bruce Health Services and CMHA Grey Bruce.
