New Physician Funding Model Brings Health Care to Windsor’s Most Vulnerable

Jul 16, 2025

Ontario Invests Nearly $4M to Support Health Care for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Windsor

WINDSOR – The Ontario Government is investing $3,881,138 in 2025-26 to support Windsor Shelter Health Associates (WSHA) in delivering critical health care services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the City of Windsor. This investment follows the government’s recent approval of a Homeless Shelter Alternate Payment Plan (APP) Agreement for WSHA physicians, one of only four new physician groups across Ontario to receive this designation in early 2024.

“Dr. Bondy and her team are taking a crucial step forward in ensuring that our most vulnerable residents receive consistent, compassionate, and comprehensive health care,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh. “I’m proud that our government is providing funding support for the groundbreaking work of Windsor Shelter Health Associates treating people where they need it most, easing pressure on our emergency departments, and leading to better health outcomes to help our most marginalized populations.”

This funding will help provide Windsor’s most vulnerable residents with access to primary health care, mental health resources, and other critical supports. Windsor Shelter Health Associates currently includes 11 physicians, 8 general practitioners, and 3 specialists, who are delivering care at key locations across the city. These include the Salvation Army Men’s Emergency Shelter, the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4), the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women & Families, the Downtown Mission of Windsor, Journey Home Hospice, and various Housing with Supports sites.

They also partner with organizations like Street Health, the Hepatitis C Clinic, and STEPS (Support Through Education Prevention Stability) to deliver wrap-around, patient-centered care.

“The Windsor Shelter Health Associates wish to thank Ontario’s Ministry of Health for recognizing and responding to the healthcare needs of some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens by providing a reliable source of ongoing funding which will allow us to serve our patients in a sustainable way,” said Dr. Jennifer Bondy. “We are appreciative of the support from MPP Dowie, who was instrumental in making this request a reality for our community. We are also grateful for the important and necessary partnership between ourselves, the City of Windsor, Windsor Regional Hospital, and CMHA-WECB, as collaboration is the key to improving the patient experience, advancing health equity, and building healthier communities. We look forward to the work that lies ahead.”

The newly approved Homeless Shelter Alternate Payment Plan is a non-enrollment model that supports the delivery of primary care services to individuals who are largely uninsured, medically complex, and disconnected from the traditional health system. Many face barriers including mental illness, addiction, and chronic disease, and often seek support in shelters, drop-in centres, or mobile outreach settings.

“Making a difference when it comes to the services and supports that vulnerable residents rely on requires partnership across all levels of government while working in lockstep with strong community partners,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “The City of Windsor is at the table through our continued investment in human and health services, and through support of the H4 Homelessness and Housing Help Hub, which connects people experiencing homelessness to the services, community support agencies, and basic medical care they require, all while helping to provide for their basic needs like food, restrooms, clothing, and safe spaces for rest. Through the Windsor Shelter Health Program, the City is proud to collaborate with the Province, participating physicians, Windsor Regional Hospital, CMHA, and all of our partner shelter sites. Thank you to Premier Ford, Minister Jones, MPP Dowie, and the Province for Protecting Ontario through investments that improve access to professional medical care and additional supports for vulnerable individuals and families in our community.”

“Windsor Regional Hospital is proud to be part of such an important partnership that will assist in getting individuals the right care in the right place. Patients will benefit from this much-needed collaboration that will greatly assist some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” said Karen Riddell, Acting President and CEO, Windsor Regional Hospital.

“This investment in physician support for Windsor Shelter Health Associates represents a critical advancement in our collective efforts to improve health equity for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” added Nicole Sbrocca, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch. “By bringing care directly into shelters, we are expanding access to mental health, addiction, primary care, and specialist services – meeting people where they are and addressing gaps in care with dignity and compassion. This innovative partnership between the City of Windsor, Windsor Regional Hospital, CMHA-WECB, and Windsor Shelter Health Associates is the first of its kind in our region, and it’s already driving measurable, long-term impact. CMHA-WECB is proud to be part of this bold and collaborative initiative, and we are deeply grateful for the shared commitment to frontline solutions that truly make a difference.”

This innovative, locally driven model is already demonstrating positive, measurable outcomes, and stands as a blueprint for how collaborative health and social supports can transform lives.

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For more information, please contact:
Meghan Lesperance
Constituency Assistant – Digital Media and Communications
Office of Andrew Dowie
MPP Windsor-Tecumseh
Ph Main: 519-251-5199, Cell: 519-567-3567
meghan.lesperance@pc.ola.org