Bucks County Commissioners Address Concerns Over "The Hub" Expansion, Emphasize Focus on Human Services
DOYLESTOWN, PA – Bucks County commissioners clarified plans for the expansion of "The Hub," a centralized human services resource center located in the county’s Administration Building. The expansion will utilize space currently occupied by the county’s law library, which is slated to relocate to the Justice Center. The move aims to enhance access to vital services for residents, including veterans, individuals seeking social services, and those facing housing and benefit challenges. The commissioners addressed public concerns regarding the nature of the expansion, firmly stating that The Hub will not become a homeless shelter or drop-in center.
The Hub, established in 2021, has become a crucial point of access for residents navigating various social service needs. The commissioners recognized the increasing demand for these services and determined that the existing space was insufficient to meet the growing need. The relocation of the law library presented a timely opportunity to expand The Hub’s footprint and enhance its capacity to serve the community effectively.
Commissioner Bob Harvie, president of the board, explained the rationale behind the move, noting the historical context of the Administration Building as the former Justice Center. While a law library was initially deemed necessary in that location, the construction of the new Justice Center, which houses its own comprehensive law library, renders the current library in the Administration Building redundant. Harvie emphasized that the Administration Building’s primary function is to house human services offices, making it the logical location for the expanded Hub.
Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia addressed concerns about the fate of the law books, assuring residents that they will not be discarded unless deemed obsolete by law librarians. The books will be transferred to the Justice Center law library, freeing up valuable space for The Hub’s expansion. Ellis-Marseglia highlighted the need for increased privacy and confidentiality for individuals seeking assistance, particularly veterans engaging with counselors. The expanded space will facilitate more private consultations, ensuring sensitive conversations are conducted in a discreet and respectful environment.
The diversity of services offered through The Hub necessitates a larger space to accommodate the varied needs of the community. Ellis-Marseglia underscored the wide range of inquiries received, from special needs accommodations for children to domestic violence support and veteran affairs assistance. The expansion will allow for a more organized and efficient delivery of these services, addressing the growing demand and ensuring equitable access for all residents. She emphasized that the expansion fulfills a long-standing commitment to enhancing human services delivery, a goal previously hampered by space constraints.
Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo directly addressed rumors circulating on social media and within the community regarding The Hub’s future. He emphatically stated that The Hub will not be converted into a homeless shelter or daytime drop-off center. DiGirolamo reiterated the commissioners’ commitment to providing comprehensive human services and stressed that The Hub’s expansion is aimed at strengthening these services, not changing the fundamental nature of the facility. He assured residents that the expanded Hub will continue to function as a central resource point for individuals seeking assistance with various social service needs.
The expansion of The Hub represents a significant investment in the well-being of Bucks County residents. By centralizing and expanding access to essential services, the county aims to create a more supportive and equitable community. The commissioners’ commitment to transparency and community engagement is evident in their efforts to address public concerns and dispel misinformation surrounding the project. The expanded Hub promises to be a vital resource for individuals and families facing challenges, connecting them with the support and services they need to thrive.