The federal, provincial and municipal governments have partnered with the University Health Network to develop a new supportive housing project in Toronto.

Located in the Parkdale community, the second phase of the Dunn House project will deliver 54 rent-geared-to-income studio units for at-risk seniors.

The first phase of Dunn House opened its doors​​ in October 2024 and provides affordable housing to a group of UHN's most medically and socially complex patients.

"People experiencing homelessness are far sicker — and they die far younger. Decades of research show that homelessness shortens life expectancy by 30 to 40 years," said Dr. Andrew Boozary, founding Executive Director of UHN’s Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine. "​Housing is health​."

CreateTO will develop the site on behalf of the City of Toronto using modular construction to reduce costs and accelerate delivery, helping to get homes built faster for those who need them most.

Funding for the project includes $21.6 million from the federal government through Build Canada Homes, $2.6 million from the Ontario government, and $10 million from the City of Toronto.

"Building on the success of Dunn House, Phase 2 exemplifies what is possible when every partner pulls in the same direction,” said Build Canada Homes CEO Ana Bailão. “By bringing together all orders of government, a leading healthcare institution, and committed nonprofit organizations, we are delivering a model of supportive housing that is greater than the sum of its parts."

The model for phase 2 of the project was developed by the University Health Network’s Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine, the City of Toronto, and community partners.

It recognizes that stable housing is a cornerstone of good health and integrates supports that address key social determinants of health, including housing stability, food security and access to care.