Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark announced an investment of approximately $47 million to “provide supportive housing for individuals with severe mental health and addictions challenges who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.”
This funding is part of the government’s previously announced $176–million investment in the Roadmap to Wellness, announced in March 2020. The funding announced on Dec. 10, 2020 will also support the creation of a new Back to Home program to “help patients transition from hospitals to permanent housing.”
The close connection between homelessness and mental health and addictions is the key reason why housing is consistently identified as one of the top priorities by CMHA branches across Ontario.
Increased housing supports are important now more than ever, as the pandemic is creating increased demands on shelters and temporary accommodations.
Supportive housing provides an anchor for life. Evidence indicates that having a place to call home means a better quality of life and success in education and work. It keeps the individuals we serve out of the justice or hospital systems and improves outcomes from even severe mental health and addictions problems.
