The Current The Toronto housing project saving lives
Dec 9, 2025
Dr. Andrew Boozary, a primary care physician and executive director of social medicine at University Health Network, discusses the transformative impact of Dunn House, a unique housing initiative for the unhoused in Toronto. He shares how this model links housing with health outcomes and details the on-site medical and mental health support provided to residents. With impressive first-year results, including reduced emergency room visits and significant cost savings, Dr. Boozary envisions replicating this success across Canada.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Housing As Healthcare
- Housing is a treatment that can restore many life years lost to homelessness.
- Andrew Boozary argues housing plus supports can deliver health gains comparable to medical interventions.
Integrating Care With Housing
- Housing alone isn't enough; integrated on-site supports are essential.
- Dunhouse embeds caseworkers, nurse practitioners, psychiatry, and wraparound services to address complex needs.
Cost Savings From Supportive Housing
- The current system spends far more on hospitals, jails, and shelters than on supportive housing.
- Dunhouse cut ED visits and hospital bed days, creating over $2 million in cost aversion in its first year.