Ontario Construction News Staff writer
The City of Toronto has launched Dunn House, Canada’s first social medicine supportive housing initiative. Located at 90 Dunn Ave., The development at 90 Dunn Ave. results from a partnership among the City of Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT), and housing provider Fred Victor.
The four-storey modular building features 51 rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes designed for individuals experiencing homelessness who are also UHN patients with frequent emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Among the units, 15 are accessible, and the building is equipped with amenities such as shared laundry facilities, a commercial kitchen, a dining area, a communal space, and dedicated clinical areas.
The project was built on UHN land that was previously a parking lot, leased to the City for supportive housing development.
Future tenants will pay no more than 30 per cent of their income or the shelter allowance from their social assistance on rent. In addition, they will have access to wrap-around social and health services provided by Fred Victor and UHN, aimed at improving their well-being and housing stability.
“This supportive housing initiative is a prime example of how collaboration across government, non-profits, and the healthcare sector can effectively address homelessness,” Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement. “This historic partnership will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people moving into these homes and help guide our response to Toronto’s housing crisis.”
Developed by the UHN Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine, the project integrates social determinants of health—such as housing and food security—into care delivery, enhancing the quality of care for vulnerable populations.
The social medicine approach adopted at Dunn House aims to improve health outcomes for residents, which in turn can alleviate pressure on the city’s shelter and healthcare systems. UHN and Fred Victor will collaborate with the City’s shelter and street outreach teams to identify individuals who are unhoused and frequently admitted to hospitals.
Daniele Zanotti, president and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, highlighted the project’s community impact: “This initiative is not just about providing housing; it’s about creating a supportive home within a neighborhood. We look forward to building on this foundation and doing more to support those in need.”
The development received strong backing from all levels of government, with the $14 million in federal funding complemented by City capital and operating support from the Province of Ontario. The Province’s commitment includes approximately $1.53 million annually for wraparound support services, part of a broader $48 million commitment to various supportive housing projects in 2023.
“Fred Victor is proud to contribute over 100 years of experience to this social medicine housing initiative. The solution to homelessness is more housing—transitional, supported, and deeply affordable housing in every neighborhood,” said Keith Hambly, CEO of Fred Victor. “This project exemplifies what we need to replicate in our city and beyond.”