Community NewsToronto

City of Toronto Unveils Canada’s First Social Medicine Supportive Housing Development

Toronto – Mayor Olivia Chow officially opened Canada’s first social medicine supportive housing development today at 90 Dunn Avenue in the Parkdale neighbourhood. Named Dunn House, the new four-storey building provides 51 rent-geared-to-income homes for individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom are frequent users of the University Health Network’s (UHN) emergency services.

Dunn House is a collaborative effort by the City of Toronto, UHN, United Way Greater Toronto, and Fred Victor, designed to address the intersection of housing insecurity and healthcare needs. The initiative will help alleviate pressure on both the healthcare system and the city’s shelters by providing long-term, stable housing and wrap-around social and health services.

A Social Medicine Approach

The Social Medicine Initiative, spearheaded by UHN’s Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine, integrates housing with healthcare. This model recognizes that addressing the social determinants of health—such as housing stability and food security—is key to improving overall health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The initiative aims to offer tenants the tools to enhance their well-being, reduce hospital admissions, and promote housing stability.

Fred Victor, a long-standing Toronto non-profit, will oversee the daily operations at Dunn House, ensuring tenants have access to the health and social services they need, including primary care, on-site support, and referrals to additional resources within the community. The building also includes 15 accessible homes and communal amenities like a kitchen, dining area, and dedicated clinical space.

Collaborative Success

Dunn House is the product of cooperation between all levels of government and various non-profit organizations. The Government of Canada contributed $14 million in capital funding through its Rapid Housing Initiative, while the Province of Ontario provides $1.53 million annually to fund essential support services. The project has been built on land leased by UHN to the City of Toronto, transforming a former parking lot into a beacon of innovation in public health and housing.

As part of the City’s larger HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, this development contributes to the ambitious goal of delivering 65,000 new rent-controlled homes, including 41,000 affordable rentals. To date, the City has approved over 23,000 new units toward that target.

More information about Dunn House can be found on the City of Toronto’s website.

Quotes:

“People experiencing homelessness often need supportive housing, with access to social and health care supports, to stay housed and build their lives. The innovative supportive housing initiative at 90 Dunn Ave. is a great example of how partnerships across governments, non-profits, and the health care sector can work together to support people and address homelessness,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.

Daniele Zanotti, CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, emphasized the importance of fostering community through this initiative: “Social Medicine at 90 Dunn Ave. is not just about providing housing; it’s about creating a supportive home, connected to and part of a neighbourhood.”

Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO of UHN, added, “As Canada’s largest hospital and research system, UHN recognizes that basic needs like stable housing and food security are just as integral to a healthy society as an effective hospital system.”

A New Model for Care

As Canada’s first social medicine housing initiative, Dunn House sets a precedent for combining healthcare with housing to address Toronto’s homelessness crisis. Stakeholders hope this model will be replicated in other regions to create long-lasting solutions for vulnerable communities.

SOURCE City of Toronto

Kelly Deschamps

Kelly Deschamps is an Entertainment Writer at GTA Today, covering the latest in music, film, TV, and festivals. With a passion for the entertainment industry, Kelly brings readers insightful and engaging stories from the heart of the cultural scene. For inquiries or feedback, contact Kelly at kelly.deschamps@gtaweekly.ca.

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