Housing First is revolutionizing the way Canada addresses homelessness, especially for those facing chronic or long-term struggles. This approach moves individuals quickly from streets or shelters into stable, long-term housing with ongoing support services.
It’s impact in Lanark County has not gone unnoticed.
A groundbreaking $110-million study led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, showcased Housing First’s effectiveness. Researchers, including Ottawa’s Tim Aubry, found that Housing First participants were more than twice as likely to experience positive life outcomes compared to those in traditional programs.
Conducted across five cities, it became the largest global study on homelessness solutions. The findings emphasize that stable housing fosters improved quality of life, independence, and better community integration.
Experts agree that supportive housing models like Housing First are the key to ending chronic homelessness.
Lanark County recently opened a 13-bed transitional housing and treatment facility, Bridge House in Smiths Falls which has moved an average of 4 people per month into traditional housing. County Council recently voted to increase the number of spaces to 21.