THUNDER BAY – LIVING – A coalition of 62 national experts on housing, mental health, and homelessness has released a landmark report urging Canada to reinvest in and modernize its Housing First strategy to better combat chronic homelessness across the country.
Published by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), the report, titled “Housing First – What’s Next?”, stems from an October 2024 gathering in Ottawa where a broad range of stakeholders—including researchers, policymakers, service providers, and people with lived experience—came together to assess the state of Housing First in Canada and chart its future.
A Proven Approach, In Need of Renewal
The Housing First model, adopted nationally in 2008, has long been hailed as one of the most effective strategies for addressing chronic homelessness. It prioritizes access to permanent, stable housing without preconditions, followed by supportive services tailored to individual needs.
“The foundation of recovery is a home,” said Leif Harris, a Carleton University researcher and former homeless youth who participated in the workshop. “We need Housing First more than ever—especially one that’s updated for the realities people face today.”
Those realities include a surging opioid crisis, overcrowded shelters, rising rental prices, and a shrinking stock of affordable housing, all of which have intensified homelessness across Canadian cities.
Mental Health and Housing: A Critical Intersection
The report emphasizes the interdependence of mental health and housing policy. Many individuals experiencing chronic homelessness also face complex mental health or substance use challenges, which require sustained, community-based support.
The original Housing First model proved that when individuals have access to secure housing, other interventions—from addiction support to employment programs—become more effective.
“At Home/Chez Soi, our original six-year demonstration project, fundamentally changed how we think about ending homelessness,” said Dr. Tim Aubry, Co-Chair of the Canadian Housing First Network. “But today’s environment demands a more agile, fully integrated version of the model.”
Key Recommendations from the Report
The report outlines a series of actionable steps, including:
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Expanding affordable housing supply
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Investing in training and support for frontline staff
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Strengthening leadership and public awareness around Housing First
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Increasing use of data to measure outcomes and guide policy
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Enhancing wraparound services like mental health care, addiction treatment, and income support
A Cross-Country Dialogue
The October 2024 workshop brought together representatives from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland—and even Finland, a global leader in ending homelessness. The overwhelming turnout—more than double the expected attendance—highlights the urgency felt across sectors.
“Housing First redefined homelessness response in Canada,” said Michel Rodrigue, President and CEO of the MHCC. “But today’s crisis requires more than what we did 15 years ago. It calls for stronger integration across health and housing systems—and for policies rooted in dignity, data, and human rights.”
What’s Next?
The MHCC will roll out the report’s findings through a multi-year public engagement campaign, using social media, direct outreach to organizations, and sector-wide collaboration to spark action.
The full report and related materials—including a summary, fact sheet, and photos—are available now at mentalhealthcommission.ca.
