United Way and Canadian Mental Health Association launch campaign to bring Connection Centre to Goderich

By: Kate Smith

Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth (CMHA HP) is a local mental health and addictions agency, providing a variety of services, including addiction counselling for youth and adults, mental health case management, peer or court support, and counselling.

With a shared goal of providing quality services and easier access for those impacted by mental health or addiction issues in Huron and Perth counties, both United Way Perth Huron (UWPH) and CMHA HP have launched a campaign to bring the Connection Centre to Goderich.

The Goderich Connection Centre is a welcoming space where people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, mental health challenges, addictions and social isolation can access supports.

“Connection centres work because they remove barriers to access and meet people where they are,” said Ryan Erb, CEO of UWPH.

“People can walk into a connection centre and find a sense of belonging, along with access to supports that can help them move toward permanent housing and stability.”

The Goderich Connection Centre is building off the success of existing centres in Exeter, Stratford and in Wingham. The project is led by UWPH, and CMHA HP will operate the centre, as it has for the past five years in Stratford and Wingham.

According to UWPH, the proposed centre will be housing-focused and voluntary.

The centre will offer access to basic needs, including food, showers, laundry facilities, warming and cooling relief and a safe place to spend time.

Trained staff will help connect participants to on-site and longer-term supports including housing resources, health-care services, mental health and addiction supports.

In addition to operating the centre, CMHA HP will also have offices in the building to offer services alongside their work through the centre.

According to Erb, having CMHA HP and connection centre services under one roof reduces barriers, simplifies referrals, and strengthens coordination. Clients will be able to access a broad range of supports as their needs change, building trusted relationships and creating a more seamless pathway out of homelessness.

Homelessness and housing instability continue to be growing concerns across Huron County. There are currently 74 people experiencing homelessness in Goderich, although local partners believe that number may be higher.

“We are excited about another opportunity to partner with United Way, to support the most vulnerable citizens in our communities,” added Catherine Hardman, CEO of CMHA HP.

“This is an excellent opportunity for CMHA HP to have a space to support all our programs and integrate care for all our clients.”

Hardman and Erb agree that collaboration is critical for the Goderich Connection Centre to succeed.

UWPH has consulted with local partners, including the Town of Goderich, Huron County, Lakeshore United Church, Artemis Huron, Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) and Huron Safe Homes for Youth. Theses partnerships will ensure the centre complements existing services in the area.

“No single organisation can address the complex barriers that contribute to chronic homelessness,” added Erb.

“This project is to build on collaboration and reflects our shared commitment to helping vulnerable local people.”

Erb explains that to open the centre, a total of $906,000 is needed to renovate the building and support its first year of operation.

In addition to fundraising, UWPH is also looking for community support as it works to secure a Learning and Engagement Accelerator Fund (LEAF) grant from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group.

Since 2021, the LEAF program has supported community-led projects that strengthen learning, engagement, capacity and resilience across Ontario.

Erb explains the ways the community can support the Goderich Connection Centre grant application. This includes sharing a story about someone you care about who could benefit from the centre, submit a photograph representing how the centre would help people connect, share a comment about why the centre deserves a grant, and share on social media why the centre is so important to this community.

“The Goderich Connection Centre will be a critical resource in addressing issues around housing, homelessness and social isolation in Goderich and Mid-Huron,” concluded Erb.

“The LEAF grant is another resource we can try and access to help this important project reach our fundraising goal.”

For more information visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca or cmhahuronperth.com