Those behind The Bridge, the integrated community services hub being established in Belleville, are still aiming to have the first parts of the facility open by the end of this year.
This week, Mayor Neil Ellis, in cooperation with the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward launched a fundraising challenge to the community.
The city has committed $4.4 million to build The Bridge at the former Banquet Centre building on Alhambra Square but organizers still need another $250,000.
“There’s going to be costs obviously to equip the building with such things, and lockers, and other things that go with the building to operate it. So when we committed to the project, the group committed to doing fundraising also. So this is the first of the kick-off of their fundraising.”
Several social service organizations will be involved in the hub and will provide essential services including shelter, health care, mental health support and addiction counselling.
They are the Belleville Quinte West Community Health Centre, John Howard Society, Enrichment Centre for Mental Health, Canadian Mental Health Association HPE, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, and Grace Inn Shelter.
Ellis says response to the plan has been positive.
“Obviously it’s the start of a continuation of care model. With The Bridge right now being at the Church (Bridge Street United), it has obviously outgrown it and to have a proper-built facility that is going to operate 24/7 is what is needed and it’s the first step trying to solve the homelessness issue.”
Work on converting the building has begun.
“They’ve cleared the building out of the stuff that was left there. The architect has been in. They were in last week with, I believe, a site plan and for a demolition permit. So the demolition should start as we speak and from there the renovation will start.”
Ellis says the services will be introduced in a phased approach but there is extra importance to getting some services up and running as soon as possible.
“The warming centre, we’re losing the police station location on Dundas Street as Habitat for Humanity is applying for a demolition permit for that. So the warming centre will move to the Alhambra and the drop-in centre from Bridge Street United Church will move there also.”
When it comes to getting a detox centre established in the city, Ellis says he recently spoke with Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo and is awaiting more information from the province.
Premier Doug Ford said earlier this year the province has committed to working with the city to provide funding for a detox centre to further help deal with the addictions crisis.
The centre, which would be a privately run operation, does not have a confirmed site yet and is still likely a couple of years away.
Find more information on the fundraising campaign and a link to donate here.
