Province Funds New 12-Bed Emergency Shelter and Support Hub in Lindsay
Ontario Invests $850,000 Through Homelessness Prevention Program
The Ontario government has announced the opening of a new emergency shelter and supportive housing facility in Kawartha Lakes, marking the latest investment in provincial efforts to address homelessness and expand housing supports for vulnerable residents.
The new Integrated Care Hub, located at 22 Peel Street in Lindsay, officially opened Tuesday with provincial funding of $850,000. The 12-bed emergency shelter is designed to provide temporary accommodation and wraparound support services for people experiencing homelessness in the region.
The project is funded through Ontario’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), which provides municipalities with financial support to address homelessness through housing assistance, support services, and capital projects such as emergency shelters.
“Every person in Ontario deserves access to safe and stable housing,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Together with our municipal partners, our government is expanding supportive housing across the province to protect our most vulnerable residents and ensure they have a safe place to rebuild their lives.”
Facility to Offer Health, Life Skills and Drop-In Services
In addition to overnight shelter beds, the Integrated Care Hub will provide drop-in programming, life skills support and health-related services through partnerships with local service providers and Ontario Health.
The facility is owned and operated by the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas and is situated near key amenities to improve accessibility for residents seeking support.
Municipal officials said the project represents a significant addition to the city’s homelessness response infrastructure.
“The City of Kawartha Lakes appreciates the funding from the Ontario government, and we would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the John Howard Society for their work in making this Integrated Care Hub a reality,” said Doug Elmslie, Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes. “This emergency shelter will make a huge difference in our community and will allow residents to get the care they need. Our community is founded on compassion and coming together, and the Integrated Care Hub is emblematic of our collective commitment to lifting each other up. We are grateful for the support of all involved.”
Province Highlights Broader Homelessness Prevention Spending
The opening of the Kawartha Lakes hub comes as Ontario continues to increase funding under the HPP. The province allocated $654 million through the program in the 2025–26 fiscal year.
Municipal service managers have discretion in how HPP funding is deployed within their communities, allowing local governments to tailor spending toward the housing and homelessness supports they determine are most needed.
Provincial officials framed the Kawartha Lakes project as part of a broader strategy to deliver locally driven homelessness solutions.
“It’s a testament to the strength of the partnership between the province, the city, and local organizations that we are able to deliver meaningful projects like the Integrated Care Hub for the local community in Kawartha Lakes. By providing access to a safe shelter, health services and wraparound supports, this project exemplifies our government’s commitment to protecting all Ontarians, including our most vulnerable.”
- Matthew Rae
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“Our government is working in partnership with the municipality to deliver effective, community-based programs that address and prevent homelessness in the City of Kawartha Lakes. We are investing in local solutions to create pathways to stability for vulnerable residents and providing access to the supports they need, when they need them most.”
- Laurie Scott
Member of Provincial Parliament, Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock
Local Operator Says Hub Designed for Low-Barrier Support
The John Howard Society of the Kawarthas said the Integrated Care Hub was purpose-built to deliver low-barrier, harm-reduction-focused services in a centralized location.
According to the organization, the hub will provide access to basic needs and stabilization supports including showers, laundry, meals and overnight accommodation, while also connecting clients with health and community-based services.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario government and the City of Kawartha Lakes for their support through the HPP funding. The Community Integrated Care Hub is a purpose-built space designed to provide low-barrier, person-centered services grounded in a harm reduction framework. Through a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach, the hub centralizes services and offers wrap-around supports so people can access what they need in one place, from basic needs like showers, laundry, meals, and a safe overnight space for stabilization, to service navigation and connections to health and community supports. This hub represents a compassionate and practical response to complex challenges in our community, and we are excited to begin welcoming guests and continuing this work alongside our partners.”
- Kristal Jones
Program Director, Community Integrated Care Hub, John Howard Society of the Kawarthas
The province said the new hub is intended to improve access to integrated homelessness and health supports while helping individuals transition toward more stable housing over time.