Toronto's $200M supportive housing deal includes 200 new homes near Western Hospital
Government of Canada, City, and University Health Network partner to create deeply affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness and complex health needs.
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Toronto is getting approximately 200 new supportive homes across three sites near Toronto Western Hospital, funded by more than $25 million from the federal government, more than $19 million from the city, and $20 million from University Health Network's foundation.
The partnership announced Thursday targets people experiencing homelessness with complex health and social needs. The first site will house approximately 80 deeply affordable units, with a non-profit operator selected through a city-led process in partnership with UHN. The remaining two sites will be identified by CreateTO, the city's real-estate agency, within close proximity to the hospital — details to be announced later. City Council approval is required for the city's funding.
The model builds on Dunn House in Parkdale, Canada's first social medicine supportive housing initiative. Residents there showed remarkable health outcomes: less than five per cent returned to shelter within the first year, emergency-department visits dropped 52 per cent (saving approximately $413,000), and hospital bed days fell 79 per cent (approximately $1.66 million in savings). Total healthcare cost savings at Dunn House: $2 million.
UHN will work with the city's shelter and street outreach teams to identify people who are unhoused and frequently use emergency departments within its network. Residents will have access to onsite health and social services, primary care, and other healthcare supports near the hospital. The model aims to improve housing stability and reduce reliance on emergency and acute care systems.
What is the timeline for identifying and opening the remaining two sites?
How will residents be selected, and will priority be given to those with the longest histories of homelessness?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many new supportive homes will Toronto get?
Approximately 200 new supportive homes will be created across three sites near Toronto Western Hospital.
Who is funding this housing project?
The federal government is contributing more than $25 million, the City of Toronto is providing more than $19 million, and University Health Network's foundation is giving $20 million.
What were the health outcomes at Dunn House?
At Dunn House in Parkdale, less than five per cent of residents returned to shelter within the first year, emergency-department visits dropped 52 per cent, and hospital bed days fell 79 per cent, resulting in total healthcare cost savings of $2 million.
Who will the new homes serve?
The homes will serve people experiencing homelessness with complex health and social needs, with residents identified by University Health Network from among those who are unhoused and frequently use emergency departments.
