A service hub in Collingwood is gaining accolades from a provincial social service body.
The County of Simcoe was recently notified it is a recipient of the 2020 Ontario Municipal Social Services Association’s Local Municipal Champion Award for their work on the Collingwood Social and Community Services HUB on Second Street.
“The collaboration between partners has led to increased access to services, which directly corresponds to increased client outcomes, tenant quality of life, and increased accessibility to supports and services for individuals and families within the Collingwood area,” notes Andrew Scavarelli, manager of Ontario Works, in his report to county council on the matter.
The HUB comprises two separate community housing buildings, which are home to a total of 147 units.
Opened in May 2019, the first building includes single and family units, along with an EarlyON Child and Family Centre. The second building, completed in July 2019, consists of senior housing units, together with community agency space located on the ground floor.
The HUB is home to Ontario Works, Children’s Services, the Simcoe County District School Board (adult learning programs), Empower Simcoe, along with drop-in/satellite office space for various community agencies and partners including Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Disability Support Program and various health services.
The Local Municipal Champion Award recognizes efforts and accomplishments in advancing excellence in human services integration and service system management by teams from consolidated municipal service managers and district social services administration boards across Ontario.
