Shaping Solutions for Health & Homelessness in London, Ontario
Collaborative research and evaluation supporting community transformation
Discover insights, tools, and stories that drive our community’s response to health and homelessness
Turning Research into Action
Insights and Evidence is where research meets impact. Our goal is to transform findings into actionable knowledge that informs policies, programs, and community responses to health and homelessness. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, service provider, or community member, this space is designed to give you the tools and evidence needed to drive change.
Who This Page is For
- Policymakers & City Leaders – Use data-driven insights to shape policies and programs
- Community Organizations & Service Providers – Apply research findings to improve services
- Researchers & Institutions – Explore collaborative research opportunities and access data
- Media & Public Audiences – Stay informed with accessible, evidence-based information
Spotlight on Key Findings
“Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response: Research & Evaluation Report” (September 2025)
The first formal assessment of London’s Whole of Community System Response, developed by the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI) at Western University, provides an evidence-based analysis of progress to date, drawing on quantitative data and qualitative insights to examine outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned within London’s coordinated health and homelessness response.
2025 Research & Evaluation Report: Findings at a Glance
Highly Supportive Housing Works
Stable housing with on-site supports is proving transformative. At sites like House of Hope and Thompson Road, residents are achieving stability, improving their health, and reducing reliance on emergency services. One participant at the House of Hope lived outside for more than a decade, struggling with substance use and unmanaged mental illness. In one year alone, he had 221 emergency room visits. After moving into the House of Hope, that dropped to just nine. Others spoke of finally having a safe, dignified home where they can focus on their recovery and well-being.
Hubs Are Life-Saving Models
Two 24/7 Hubs have launched since 2023 — Atlohsa Family Healing Service’s Wiigiwaaminaan Lodge and the YOU Community Youth Hub. Together they have provided respite beds, transitional rooms, meals, showers, and access to health and cultural supports. Participants describe them as “a place of healing and belonging” and “a place to reset and feel safe.” Since opening, more than 100 people have been supported and over 40 have transitioned into stable housing.
Workforce Strain and Resilience
The evaluation highlights the dedication of direct service staff who continue to deliver care in very challenging circumstances. Yet many report inadequate pay, high levels of moral distress, and burnout. Supporting this workforce is critical to sustaining progress.
Cost of Inaction Remains High
Without intervention, homelessness is projected to triple in our province over the next decade, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Highly Supportive Housing offers a more cost avoidant solution — improving lives while reducing system strain.
Early Signs of System Impact
Preliminary data shows preventable deaths in London among people experiencing homelessness have declined by 20% between 2022 and 2024, despite an increase in homelessness and population growth in our community.
Why This Matters
This report shows that progress is possible when partners work together, but also makes clear that momentum is fragile. Sustaining and scaling success will require:
- Ongoing provincial and federal investment
- Dedicated operating funding to match capital investments
- Continued commitment to workforce wellness and retention
- Meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices and lived experience
- Strong public communication to maintain transparency, build trust, and reduce stigma.
“House of Hope: Impact Report (2025)”
London Cares – This report evaluates the outcomes of the House of Hope program, a highly supportive housing initiative under the Whole of Community Response (WCR). 🔗 Read Full Report
“Interdisciplinary team explores London’s unique approach to addressing homelessness” (October 2024)
This article highlights the role of Western University researchers in coordinating the research and evaluation of the Whole of Community Response to Health and Homelessness. 🔗 Read Full Article
“Developing a system response to health and homelessness: The important role of health leaders” – Kate Graham, PhD & Matthew Meyer, PhD
This article examines the role of health leaders in the early stages of a community response to address health and homelessness in London, Ontario. 🔗 Read Full Article
Myth Busting
Myth 1: “People are making bad choices; they should just get to work.”
Reality: Homelessness is driven by structural issues, not personal failings—low wages, high rents, and systemic barriers keep people unhoused.
Myth 2: “All homeless people are drug addicted.”
Reality: Most unhoused people don’t have substance use issues, and stable housing is often the first step toward recovery for those who do.
Myth 3: “Housing homeless people creates an unbearable cost on public systems.”
Reality: Housing people saves money—supportive housing reduces reliance on costly emergency services and improves long-term stability.
Explore our Findings
Our research and evaluation work generates insights that inform policies, programs, and community action. Explore a wide range of reports, data, and resources that support evidence-based decision-making.
All research, reports, policy briefs, and tools are housed in our dedicated repository
What You’ll Find in the Repository:
- 📄 Research & Evaluation Reports (Produced by WCR researchers) – Program Impact and research reports produced by Whole of Community Response affiliated researchers.
- 📕External Reports & White Papers – Relevant reports produced by external organizations.
- 📰 Community & Media Coverage – News articles, case studies, and public engagement.
- 📁 Practical Tools & Guides – Best practices, training materials, and implementation strategies.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
The response to homelessness doesn’t happen in isolation. Across Canada and beyond, governments, researchers, and communities are working to address housing insecurity, health disparities, and social policy gaps. This section curates key reports, media coverage, and external research that provide valuable context for our work in London.
Explore news articles, government reports, and external studies that shed light on the evolving landscape of homelessness and housing solutions. Whether you’re looking for policy insights, community perspectives, or the latest research, you’ll find relevant resources here.
“Unlocking Solutions: Understanding and Addressing Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions Supportive Housing Needs” – Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO)
– March 2025 – This report explores the critical need for supportive housing tailored to individuals with mental health and addiction challenges in Ontario. – 🔗 Read Full Report
“Ending Chronic Homelessness in Ontario: Municipal Recommendations for a Coordinated and Accountable System Response” – Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) – January 2025 – This report presents AMO’s recommendations for ending chronic homelessness across Ontario. 🔗 Read Full Report
Community Voices
Behind every statistic is a person. This section highlights the voices of individuals with lived experience of homelessness, direct service workers, and community members who are part of the Whole of Community Response. Their stories, insights, and experiences help shape a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in our shared efforts.
Hear firsthand accounts of resilience, innovative programs making a difference, and reflections from those working on the frontlines. By amplifying these voices, we aim to foster empathy, inform policy, and inspire action.
Evidence to Drive Decision Making
Effective policy starts with strong evidence. This section is designed for city leaders, policymakers, and business stakeholders looking for data-driven insights to guide decisions on housing, health, and homelessness interventions.
Here, you’ll find executive summaries, key reports, policy briefs, and visual tools that translate complex research into actionable recommendations. Whether you’re shaping municipal policies, advocating for funding, or designing community programs, these resources provide the information you need to drive meaningful change.
Collaborative Knowledge Sharing
Research is most powerful when shared. This section is for academics, evaluators, and institutional partners who are studying homelessness, housing, and health equity. Whether you’re looking for data, methodologies, or opportunities to collaborate, this space connects you to the latest research and ongoing projects.
Explore research reports, datasets (where available), and methodological insights from the Whole of Community Response evaluation. Find opportunities to partner on future studies, share findings, and contribute to evidence-informed solutions.
Join the Movement
The Whole of Community Response is built on collaboration, and everyone has a role to play. Whether you’re a policymaker, service provider, researcher, or community member, your engagement helps shape the future of homelessness and housing solutions in London.
There are many ways to get involved: attend an event, participate in research, contribute resources, or stay informed through our updates. Explore opportunities to connect and be part of the solution.