The Hastings Prince Edward HART Hub announced Monday that The Bridge Integrated Care Hub has entered into an agreement with The Kafana, a downtown Belleville restaurant, to provide daily meals for its clients beginning Oct. 1, reflecting the HART Hub’s commitment to community-based solutions.
The Bridge, part of the new provincially funded HART Hub initiative, offers low-barrier supports that are all under one roof to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges.
As The Bridge becomes a part of the Hastings Prince Edward HART Hub, good food will continue to be a core part of providing stability and dignity as people continue their recovery journey.
“We know that at its core, a good meal is about humanity, dignity, and hope,” said Lisa Ali, CEO of CMHA Hastings Prince Edward. “ The Hastings Prince Edward HART Hub is a by-community for-community approach to tackling homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. Several local organizations have come together to share expertise, and resources, and we’re proud of how local cooperation and collaboration is at the heart of the project. Teaming up with a made-in-Belleville local business is an example of our HART Hub’s commitment to community-based solutions. Together, we’re creating jobs and economic opportunity, while giving The Bridge clients excellent meals that make them feel at home – especially since the vast majority of The Bridge clients were born and raised in this community.”
The agreement follows a competitive bid process that invited both local businesses and not-for-profit food providers to propose meal services. The Kafana’s proposal was the successful one – great news for The Bridge, considering The Kafana’s strong values alignment and commitment to providing high quality, healthy, and nutritious meals.
“At The Kafana, food has always been our way of bringing people together,” said Corrine Sykes, co-owner. “We are honoured to partner with The Bridge to serve our neighbours who need support.”
Her fellow co-owner, Myroslava Symonenko, added, “Our team believes in leading with humanity, preserving dignity, and prospering together, and that starts with making sure everyone can enjoy good, nourishing meals made with care.”
About the Hastings Prince Edward HART Hub The Hastings Prince Edward HART Hub is a new, collaborative initiative that brings together health care, social services, housing supports, and community organizations to address homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.
The Bridge Integrated Care Hub in Belleville is one component of the new HART Hub, offering essential supports including meals, primary health care, counselling, housing navigation, and more.
(PAUL MARTIN)
