A housing project with wraparound supports opened in London, Ontario six months ago. There are 24 residents in the first phase.
The local hospital contributed CDN$2M to the project. The foundation for this contribution was the experience from similar projects in other communities. The evidence indicated that wraparound supports for the residents would reduce the use of high cost hospital services. So far, it’s proving true in London. The people living in the building have made 74% fewer visits to the hospital’s emergency department. As well, each visit to the ER has been less likely to lead to a stay in a hospital bed.
The article also reports how the housing extends beyond health care. Connecting with family members is one example.
New projects like this one raise all sorts of questions, and can contribute to lengthy delays when seeking approval. Having summoned the courage to approve the first building, decision makers have decided on ways to streamline approvals for the next projects to come on line. Land use planners and decision makers in other jurisdictions may wish to follow up on this aspect of the article.
One thing that a reader might wish to know more about is the experience of living in the supported housing project. The article mentions that residents in the supportive housing project have been helping each other with daily tasks such as doing laundry and preparing meals. Residents have also been re-establishing connections with family members. We’ll have to wait for another report to hear from residents directly.
Read more at CBC: ‘Astounding’ results from London’s first highly supportive housing projects, official says
