Local CMHA moving services from Bridge Street United Church and welcoming a new director

CMHA Hastings Prince Edward Addictions and Mental Health Services has released the following update today.

 

The services currently being provided at Bridge Street United Church in Belleville (The Bridge) will close on March 31, 2025. On April 1 at 11:00 AM, services will reopen at 125 Church Street South in Belleville, where they will remain until the renovations at the permanent home for The Bridge, located at 1 Alhambra Square, are completed.

The relocation of The Bridge services is more than just a move—it marks the first step in creating a more unified and coordinated care system for individuals living in the Hastings and Prince Edward region with complex needs. This integrated care model that will be implemented is part of the HART Hub, that was announced in January 2025. The Bridge temporary site will offer essential services, including a drop-in center, food assistance, access to primary health care, addiction and mental health counselling, and connections to other supports.

These services will support individuals who are unhoused and dealing with substance use and/or mental health challenges. Some of the changes will include working more closely with guests to explore their individual goals, enabling temporary storage for personal property, and strengthening connections to mental health and addiction support services.

“With the recently announced HART Hub funding, we are expanding our support for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction. While neither The Bridge nor the HART Hub network can solve the homelessness crisis or the toxic drug supply issue alone, this investment is a significant step forward in strengthening community resources and creating meaningful impact,” says Lisa Ali, CEO of CMHA HPE.

“We are pleased to have secured a temporary location for The Bridge. Bridge Street United Church has been a terrific partner, and we’ve appreciated their support and accommodation for the Drop-in program services over the years,” says Kara Petit, Executive Director at the John Howard Society of Belleville.

“Opening The Bridge at this temporary location will serve as a good transition point until the permanent facility at 1 Alhambra Square is ready. It provides a stable and appropriate facility, and allows us to make some important changes in the meantime.”

In addition to this important shift, Ashley Vader, former Director of Operations at Grace Inn Shelter, has been appointed as the new Director of The Bridge. Ashley brings a wealth of experience in community service management and a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. Her leadership will play a critical role in ensuring the successful transition of services at the temporary location and the long-term success of the HART Hub initiative. Steve van de Hoef, who is currently serving as Interim Director of The Bridge, will transition to a new role, providing leadership for implementing the HART Hub and ensuring seamless alignment between services.