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.