Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre was established in 1996 under the leadership of a very active advisory committee and temporarily delivered a limited range of health services from locations in the downtown Hamilton area. In September 1997 the Centre was permanently located at 71 Rebecca Street in a renovated bus terminal. The location proved to be not only an excellent demonstration of urban revitalization but also a familiar and accessible place for individuals and families seeking services and support. To many, Hamilton Urban Core is affectionately known as “the Core”.
Hamilton Urban Core came into existence in response to the need for primary health care services, health promotion, education, advocacy and outreach services for populations in the urban core. It is the result of community collaboration and the energy of service providers, community members, prospective clients and health practitioners who all shared a common vision for health services in the core. Based on a broad definition of health, services and programs at Hamilton Urban Core are designed to meet the needs of the individuals, families, groups and communities in the inner city who experience barriers to accessing the health and health related services and supports they need. Growing from a small number of people coming to the Centre to an active client registration of thousands “the Core” continues to be an integral part of the downtown Hamilton mosaic.
