Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre Cuts the Ribbon on Opening HART Hub Hamilton’s Residential Treatment Site
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre Cuts the Ribbon on Opening HART Hub Hamilton’s Residential Treatment Site
Hamilton, ON – July 27, 2026 – Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (Hamilton Urban Core) is cutting the ribbon to officially open the Residential Treatment and Recovery Site at 276 Aberdeen Ave for HART Hub Hamilton. This momentous occasion comes after a year-long consultation process with the City of Hamilton Building Services Division, residents and the local community.
The opening of the HART Hub Hamilton Residential Treatment and Recovery Site marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the program and expansion of recovery services for the community.
Since the HART Hub launched in April 2025, clients enrolled in the program have had to pause the residential phase of their recovery journey while the Residential Treatment and Recovery Site underwent the necessary planning, permitting, and retrofit processes. With the completion of these critical preparations, clients can now access the comprehensive residential treatment and recovery services envisioned as part of the HART Hub Hamilton model.
As a result, a substantial waitlist has accumulated, consisting of clients eager to continue their recovery. With the Residential Treatment and Recovery Site open, clients can now complete Hamilton Urban Core’s five stages of support model – engagement, contemplation, preparation, community residential treatment, and therapeutic recovery maintenance, and begin reintegration into society.
The Residential Treatment and Recovery Site will welcome its first cohort of 14 men, gradually introducing them over the next few weeks. Cohorts are based on gender, alternating between male and female. Each cohort will stay at the Residential Treatment and Recovery Site for a period of 8 to 12 weeks, in a highly structured and routine-based abstinence-based process supervised by Hamilton Urban Core staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The program model involves a mix of group and individual psychotherapy, as well as life skill development and comprehensive wrap around care. Upon completion, residents will continue their care within a supportive housing model environment with one of our partner organizations, such as Indwell or Good Shepherd.
On hand to celebrate the opening of the Residential Treatment Site were Hamilton Urban Core’s Board Chair, Ike Agbassi; as well as Executive Director, Dr. Sandy Ezepue and Associate Minister for Mental Health and Addictions Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam and Monica Ciriello MPP for Hamilton Mountain. They were joined by Regional Director, Jess Brand of Indwell, and Chief Operating Officer Katherine Kalinowski of Good Shepherd, both agencies are housing partners as well as representatives from De Dwa Da Dehs Nye(S), and Womankind Clinical Addiction Services. Also attending the event were representatives of Hamilton Urban Core’s Neighbourhood Liaison Table and Michelle Piano and Chris Philips from the City of Hamilton..
QUOTES:
“The opening of HART Hub Hamilton’s Residential Treatment and Recovery Site at 276 Aberdeen Avenue marks an important milestone for our community. With this final component of the HART Hub continuum of care now in place, we are better positioned to support individuals from first engagement through treatment and into long-term recovery. This achievement reflects the power of collective community effort. I want to thank our partners at MASH, Womankind, Wayside House of Hamilton, De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre, Centre de Santé Communautaire Hamilton, Indwell, and Good Shepherd, as well as our Neighbourhood Liaison Table and the Kirkendall community, for helping make this vision a reality. We couldn’t have done it without you. Together, we are creating new opportunities for recovery, healing, and hope for the people of Hamilton.”
– Dr. Sandy Ezepue, Executive Director, Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
“Our government is building a connected system of care through HART Hubs that helps people access the treatment, recovery and support services they need, close to home. The opening of Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre’s Residential Treatment and Recovery program is an important milestone that will expand access to addictions treatment and recovery supports for people in Hamilton and the surrounding region. This investment reflects our commitment to helping more people find hope and lasting recovery while strengthening the health and well-being of communities across Ontario.”
– Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
"Under Premier Ford's leadership, our government is making meaningful investments to expand access to mental health and addictions care, ensuring people in Hamilton can connect with the treatment and recovery supports they need, close to home. The opening of the HART Hub Residential Treatment and Recovery Program reflects our commitment to strengthening compassionate, community-based care and helping build a healthier, safer Hamilton."
– Monica Ciriello, MPP Hamilton Mountain
“Good Shepherd Centres is proud to collaborate in the essential work of Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre’s HART Hub. Addressing health crises requires the co-operation of like-minded agencies. We look forward to welcoming HART Hub program participants into Good Shepherd’s supportive housing community as they pursue the next steps in their journey to recovery. Affordable, supportive housing allows people to improve their health and well-being and to thrive as engaged citizens. Good Shepherd strives to be a compassionate community presence; our partnership with Hamilton Urban Core reflects a shared commitment to building healthy and resilient communities”
– Katherine Kalinowski, Chief Operating Officer, Good Shepherd Centres
“We all know it takes a community to build a community and to experience belonging. Together with Hamilton Urban Core and the other HART hub partners, Indwell is looking forward to providing supportive housing to people seeking stability and hope through the HART Hub. We are better together.”
– Jess Brand, Regional Director, Indwell
Media Contact:
Dr. Sandy Ezepue
Executive Director
For further information about HART Hub Hamilton visit: https://hucchc.com/hart-hub
About Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre is a trusted leader in providing comprehensive, equity-focused health and social services to underserved and marginalized communities with complex needs. Through integrated care, innovation, and community partnerships, Hamilton Urban Core is committed to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for all.
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