University Health Network is expanding the reach of its social medicine efforts with the launch of a second supportive housing development in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood.
The development, Dunn House Phase 2, will feature 54 new rent-geared-to-income studio units for at-risk seniors. It builds on the success of UHN's Social Medicine Housing Model and Dunn House, Canada's first hospital-led supportive housing initiative for unhoused individuals.
The Government of Canada is investing $21.4 million in the project through Build Canada Homes, the federal agency responsible for increasing affordable housing in Canada. The Province of Ontario will contribute $2.6 million in annual operational funding, and the City of Toronto will lead delivery of the project as public developer.
"This investment will deliver urgently needed supportive housing for those who need it most," said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. "When we pair innovation with compassion, we create homes that strengthen communities and provide vulnerable Canadians with the stability and care they deserve."
Dunn House opened its doors in October 2024 and provides affordable housing to a group of UHN's most medically and socially complex patients.
"People experiencing homelessness are far sicker — and they die far younger. Decades of research show that homelessness shortens life expectancy by 30 to 40 years," said Dr. Andrew Boozary, founding Executive Director of UHN’s Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine and a driving force behind Dunn House and the Social Medicine Housing Model.
"Housing is health."
Karim Bardeesy, federal Member of Parliament for Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, calls the project a "source of pride" for the community.
"We've seen first-hand how this model brings stability, dignity and better health outcomes to people who need it most. This next supportive housing project in Parkdale builds on what has already been demonstrated to work" he said.
Social medicine housing model reducing ED visits
Early data indicates a 52 per cent reduction in visits to UHN emergency departments and a 79 per cent drop in hospital bed days among Dunn House residents, resulting in an estimated $2.1 million cost savings.
"Dunn House has generated strong early evidence demonstrating the essential role of secure housing in improving health outcomes for individuals for whom emergency departments too often serve as the front door to care," said Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of University Health Network.
"Applying the Dunn House model to provide focused housing for at-risk seniors who are frequent users of emergency rooms strengthens the continuum of care while reducing avoidable strain on the health care system."
The model was developed by UHN's
Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine in partnership with the
City of Toronto and community partners.
It approaches patient care through the lens of the social determinants of health, focusing on stable housing, food security and access to care — all of which lay the foundation for good health.
"Protecting our most vulnerable is a critical part of our plan to Protect Ontario," said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
"By partnering with other levels of government and embracing innovative projects and approaches, we are advancing our goal to ensure everyone in Ontario has a safe place to call home."
The new development will provide social and medical care on-site. It will be built on UHN property, using modular construction, an accelerated process that ensures homes are built faster.
"We are excited to expand this work with our federal and provincial partners. It is exciting to see all levels of government working together to build a safer, more affordable and caring city," said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto.
