Residents of a supportive housing program in London, Ont. face an uncertain future as the facility is set to close later this year after failing to secure ongoing funding from the province.
The House of Hope, run by London Cares at 362 Dundas Street, houses 45 residents with high needs and employs 24 staff members who provide support around the clock.
The program is scheduled to shut down at the end of November.
Matthew Cameron moved into the House of Hope about a year ago after experiencing homelessness and addiction. Now clean for months, he feels ready to find his own place with help from a dedicated support worker.
“I’m clean, I’m productive, I’m a part of society again,” he said. “I’m getting into that cycle of working every day.”
Cameron credits his success to the House of Hope and its compassionate staff. He expressed that without their help, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
London Cares’ House of Hope on Dundas Street provides housing and wraparound support to high-acuity community members. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
Chris Moss, executive director of London Cares, shared that Matthew isn’t alone; about half of the current residents will be ready for stable housing when the House closes.
“When you wrap healthcare around people who are now housed and have goals and you’re able to support them, case manage them and help them get through whatever they’re dealing with, all of a sudden they begin to thrive.”
The other half are not yet prepared for this transition and may risk losing their progress-a concern Cameron shares deeply.
“They’re going to go back on the streets,” he warned. “It’s going to snowball and make it worse for them again.”
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Chris Moss is the Executive Director of London Cares, which operates the House of Hope. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
Moss mentioned they received word last week indicating no further funding would be granted.
The province informed her that there are already existing programs being funded in London which supposedly meets current budgetary needs within the city.
“The reality is we know that everything’s full,” Moss explained. “We know waiting lists are very long, and we know that those living with us likely wouldn’t make it through an intake process required by some available programs.”
No comments were provided by representatives from the Ministry of Health regarding their decision on funding denial; however, a spokesperson representing Minister Rob Flack indicated that Ontario government makes “historic investments” into municipalities.
“This year alone we’ve invested over $21.8 million in London’s Homelessness Prevention Program-a 63 percent increase since 2022-allowing flexibility regarding emergency shelters or supportive housing based on local needs,” wrote Michael Minzak.
“Allocations like those under our Homelessness Prevention Program are decided by municipalities rather than directly by our province so local necessities can be met.”SC
Mayor Josh Morgan expressed disappointment over impending closure labeling it as “an unfortunate circumstance,” highlighting how transformative work done at House has led positive outcomes within community settings.”///
London Cares pushed for provincial funds
For over a year, London Cares has been trying to secure long-term funding necessary to cover approximately $3 million in operating costs for the House of Hope, according to Moss. The City of London alongside London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) previously funded this initiative together but LHSC withdrew most funding last year. “As a hospital, we’re not funded to support these kinds of programs long-term, especially considering the substantial investment the province of Ontario has made over the past several years in this space,” stated LHSC Supervisor David Musyj in an official comment. A temporary one-time funding bridge from the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change allowed operations up until now while London Cares worked closely with city officials advocating for provincial assistance from the Ministry of Health.“This demonstrates how supportive housing significantly impacts both residents while also easing burdens seen elsewhere including fewer emergency room visits or police interactions,” he remarked.
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