A Toronto hospital network is set to greatly expand its unique permanent housing program that largely serves homeless people who visit hospital emergency departments an inordinate amount of time.
The University Health Network’s Dunn House has seen great success in the early days for its 51 residents, a model that will expand to help 300 people.
The modular build opened in Toronto’s west end in 2024. Federal and provincial governments, along with the city, announced earlier this year they would help build a similar 54-unit building, dubbed Spring House, which is geared to seniors who are struggling with homelessness.
Now, the plan is for three more buildings in Toronto.
“It gives me a lot of hope that we can rally behind a solution that is more humane and cost-effective,” Dr. Andrew Boozary, the executive director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at UHN, said in an interview.