In a significant move to combat homelessness in Toronto, the Slaight Family Foundation has announced a generous donation of £25 million to establish a pioneering programme aimed at transitioning individuals from the streets into supportive housing. This initiative, known as the Slaight Family Housing Lab, will be implemented through a collaboration between St. Michael’s Hospital and the United Way Greater Toronto, employing an evidence-based strategy to address the pressing needs of the city’s homeless population.
Collaborative Approach to Housing
Dr. Stephen Hwang, who leads the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital, emphasised that the new programme is grounded in research advocating for a housing-first approach. This model prioritises securing stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, coupled with essential support services. Dr. Hwang noted that the housing lab will work closely with the City of Toronto to identify available supportive housing units, while dedicated case management teams will assist individuals living on the streets in preparing for their transitions.
The preparatory assistance includes obtaining necessary identification and ensuring individuals are in good standing with tax obligations, which can significantly affect their eligibility for supportive housing and other benefits. Despite a staggering waitlist exceeding 100,000 for social housing in Toronto as of 2025, Dr. Hwang remains optimistic about the programme’s capacity to successfully house 300 people over the next five years, drawing on the MAP Centre’s successful partnerships with the city.
Long-Term Support for Sustainable Housing
The commitment to this initiative extends beyond merely providing shelter. Once housed, participants will continue to receive support from case management teams for several years. These teams will assist individuals in accessing clinical care, addiction treatment, employment services, and other vital resources to help them maintain their housing stability. Heather McDonald, president and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, expressed the programme’s dedication to a personalised approach, stating that it aims to “do whatever it takes to get people into housing.”
Organisations within the United Way’s network, including Na-Me-Res, which focuses on aiding Indigenous men, and Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services, which assists women facing homelessness, will play crucial roles in this collaborative effort. Dr. Hwang pointed out that this housing lab could also alleviate pressures on Toronto’s healthcare system, given that individuals experiencing homelessness often utilise emergency departments at much higher rates than the general populace.
A Model for Other Municipalities
The Slaight Family Housing Lab is viewed as a potential blueprint for addressing homelessness not only in Toronto but across Canada. Dr. Hwang highlighted the need for municipalities to adopt similar models, particularly as homelessness in Ontario continues to escalate. A recent report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario revealed that approximately 85,000 individuals were homeless in 2025, marking a 7.8 per cent increase from the previous year.
Dr. Hwang acknowledged that while the Slaight Family Foundation’s contribution is a substantial step forward in tackling chronic homelessness, there is still much work to be done. He advocates for investments in long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes, stressing, “If we’re going to invest more funds, we need to invest them in long-term solutions, not in short-term Band-Aids.”
Why it Matters
The Slaight Family Foundation’s initiative is not merely a financial contribution; it represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at fundamentally transforming the approach to homelessness in Toronto. By combining immediate assistance with long-term support mechanisms, this programme sets a precedent for how cities can effectively confront homelessness. As the crisis deepens across Ontario, the Slaight Family Housing Lab offers a glimmer of hope, promising a sustainable path for individuals to secure stable housing and improve their quality of life. In a nation where access to safe and affordable housing is increasingly under threat, this initiative could serve as a critical model for systemic change, inspiring similar actions across Canada and beyond.
