The Difference Supportive Housing Makes
For those who struggle with housing stability, including those who experience homelessness, life histories are complex and unique.
However, consistent within research on ending homelessness is the fact that many individuals or families require some level of support services to achieve housing stability. This may be supports in relation to physical health, mental health, substance use, trauma, culture, or activities of daily living.
With the right supports in place, people are able to not just survive, but thrive.
The impacts of tenant-centred supportive housing are felt within the community too.
Moving on from hospital
As a result of opening a 66-unit supportive housing program in London, 33 people moved from tertiary, psychiatric hospital care to permanent supportive housing. This contributed to reductions in prolonged hospital stays and produced a ripple effect through London’s entire adult mental health system.
Reduction in police calls
"After seeing Indwell’s projects in Hamilton, I realize it’s not just the housing that makes a difference, but the support services integrated within it. These services not only help tenants but also reduce the need for police intervention, as Indwell manages crises within their facilities."
(Edited for clarity) Sergeant Peter Wiesner (ret.), Supervisor, Crisis Response Branch, Hamilton Police Services
50% less emergency department visits
Blending critical health services with housing supports in Indwell’s enhanced housing programs is reducing Emergency Department visits. A sample of 45 Indwell tenants experienced a 50% reduction in Emergency Department visits during the 18 months following their move into an Indwell program, compared to the previous 18 months.
Moving forward in life
Providing a stable and supportive living environment enables people to work toward their goals. In selected Indwell programs, 25% of the people who were homeless and unemployed before moving in have now begun their journey towards education, volunteerism, and part-time employment.
How can we create supportive housing to meet the needs of Canada’s most vulnerable people, particularly those experiencing chronic homelessness and health or mental health challenges?
In 2020, Indwell was awarded a two-year research grant through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s National Housing Strategy, to better understand the impact of opening our Woodfield Gate in London on the lives of our tenants there. We partnered with Western University who lead a research team that includes one of our staff.
In spite of the pandemic, our tenants have been amazing participants in this important research project. This interim report published by Western was submitted to CMHC in March 2021.
9 in 10 people who move into an Indwell home are with us beyond the first year.
Housing retention and stability is a key outcome indicator in evaluating interventions that end chronic homelessness. A target of 80% of people served in housing first interventions remaining housed after one calendar year is an established benchmark.
In looking at housing stability of tenants at Indwell coming from circumstances of homelessness we are trying to compare our interventions with the accepted standard for housing retention.
