$25M donation to establish new model for tackling homelessness in Toronto

A philanthropic organization says it’s donating $25 million to establish a new system for tackling homelessness in Canada's largest city.

A philanthropic organization says it’s donating $25 million to establish a new system for tackling homelessness in Toronto that will use an evidence-based approach to move people off the streets and into supportive housing.

The Slaight Family Foundation says the money will go to a St. Michael’s Hospital research centre, as well as non-profit United Way Greater Toronto, to establish the Slaight Family Housing Lab — a program that aims to put roofs over people’s heads while providing wraparound services.

Dr. Stephen Hwang, director of St. Michael’s Hospital’s MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, says the new program draws on the centre’s research into the benefits of a housing-first approach.

Hwang says the housing lab will work with the City of Toronto to identify open supportive housing units while case management teams work with people living on the street to get them ready to move.

Hwang says the pre-move help can include getting people identification and ensuring they’re in good tax standing so they can be eligible for supportive housing units and other benefits.

The wait list for social housing in Toronto was more than 100,000 names long in 2025, but Hwang says he’s optimistic the program can successfully house 300 people over five years based on the MAP Centre’s previous collaborations with the city.

The physician and researcher says the work doesn’t stop once people get housed. Case management teams will follow program participants for years, helping them access clinical care, addiction treatment, employment services and more to ensure they stay housed long-term.

Heather McDonald, president and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, says the housing lab is about “doing whatever it takes to get people into housing,” and teams will tailor their responses to individual needs.