Toronto housing project that cut ER visits is set to expand

Officials announced funding to add 54 studio units for at-risk seniors at Dunn House, a Toronto social-medicine housing project that previously reduced residents' emergency department visits by 52%.

Dunn House in Toronto is set to grow after federal, provincial and city officials announced new funding to create 54 studio apartments for at-risk seniors. The building opened in October 2024 and was developed by the University Health Network Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine with city and community partners. The current site contains 51 studio units with kitchens and bathrooms, communal spaces, a primary-care clinic and access to community support. City staff will lead delivery of the new homes and CreateTO will use modular construction. Key facts: - The federal government announced $21.6-million in funding for the expansion. - Ontario plans to provide $2.6-million in annual operational funding. - The expansion will add 54 studio units focused on at-risk seniors; the original Dunn House has 51 studio apartments. - Dunn House opened in October 2024 as a social medicine housing project developed with UHN and community partners, with on-site primary care and 24/7 supports. - Reported results for current residents include a 52% reduction in emergency department visits, a 79% drop in days spent in hospital, and about $2.1-million in predicted annual savings. Summary: Dunn House has been described as Canada’s first social medicine housing project and officials point to measurable reductions in emergency care use and hospital days among residents. The announced funding and city-led modular construction are intended to add 54 units for at-risk seniors while maintaining on-site health and social supports. Delivery will be led by the City of Toronto with CreateTO as the public developer, and operational funding from Ontario has been pledged.