The University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto is set to expand its housing program aimed at reducing emergency room visits among the homeless population. Andrew Boozary, director of UHN’s Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine, is among those making big plans percolating under that surface. To advance this initiative, he plans to construct 54 new apartments. This expansion involves collaboration among all levels of government, with the City of Toronto investing $10 million and spearheading the delivery of the new homes.
Toronto’s new Mayor Olivia Chow is a big proponent of Dunn House housing model. By supporting the development of stable, permanent living conditions for vulnerable populations, this initiative helps re-establish lives and communities. Ontario is in the middle of a major homelessness emergency. As of 2025, almost 85,000 people were homeless—enough to raise the political will to boost the housing program. This figure, an alarming 49 percent increase overall, reflects nearly 50 percent more people living without a home than in 2019.
With some urgency, Dr. Boozary drew attention to this critical pain point. Most people who are unhoused struggle with multiple late-stage chronic conditions, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. The urgency of this issue was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which created or worsened housing instability for many Canadians.
The current program has proven significant success in increasing health outcomes for its 40+ residents. Participants in the program experienced a 52 percent reduction in emergency department usage. They experienced a truly extraordinary 79 percent drop in the length of their hospital admissions. In 2024, the province experienced at least 6,000 less homeless people. This is a positive trend and serves as an example of the success of the housing initiative.
Yet even with these strides, the demand for affordable housing is an ever urgent need today. The people most likely to become homeless in Ontario right now live in emergency shelters. This unfortunate reality underscores the urgent need for efforts like UHN’s supportive housing initiative.
Gregor Robertson, former Vancouver Mayor and current housing advocate, stressed the need to cut red tape and accelerate all like-minded projects. He stated, “We need to make it simpler, faster to get these projects off the ground.” He added, “We need to help thousands and thousands of people across Canada find safe, affordable homes.”
Mayor Chow reaffirmed her commitment to addressing homelessness, stating, “This is the model that breaks the cycle of homelessness, sickness, and despair.” Her enthusiastic support illustrates the growing recognition among city officials and community leaders. They understand that stable housing plays an important role in helping their patients achieve better health outcomes.
