Photo and story by Luke Hendry.
The Bridge Integrated Care Hub’s new site in Belleville received more visits yet saw fewer emergencies and other problems in its first month compared to its predecessor.
Statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association, the hub’s lead agency, and emergency services reveal the shift since April 9, when The Bridge’s permanent home at 1 Alhambra Sq. opened. The date also marked the closure of the hub’s first – and temporary – home at 125 South Church St.
While all the usual issues to be expected in homelessness-related work continue, there’s been a notable decline in the worst problems, said Ashley Vader, the association’s director of housing and homelessness.