CMHA’s 30 local branches endorse Mental Health and Addictions Leadership Advisory Council’s Supportive Housing Strategy

To close the gap in supportive housing, Ontario needs to create at least 30,000 units of supportive housing over the 10 years.

That’s the recommendation included in the Mental Health and Addictions Leadership Council second annual report.

“There is a well-known gap in supportive housing – which we know achieves better outcomes for Ontarians, reduces the use of health and emergency services, and is essential to meeting the province’s goals for ending chronic homelessness,” the report states. As a long-term solution, the Council recommends implementing a Supportive Housing Strategy for mental health and addictions in Ontario.

CMHA commends the Council’s recommendation for a Supportive Housing Strategy. In a submission to the Council and the Ministry of Health, CMHA provides additional recommendations to ensure smooth implementation of the Strategy, including:

A coordinated approach that will engage Local Health Integration Networks and the Ministry of Housing’s Municipal Service Managers to work together in developing multi-year implementation plans for their communities

Ensuring that local implementation plans for supportive housing are flexible and suit local geographic realities, especially in rural and northern communities

The expansion of safe beds programs and supportive housing programs for individuals with mental health issues who are involved with the justice system

To read the full submission, visit the CMHA Ontario website.