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Ottawa Citizen

Kavanagh: Complex housing needs can't just be left to the city

Article content On June 6, the City of Ottawa's auditor general, Nathalie Gougeon, and deputy auditor general Joanne Gorenstein tabled a compelling report on supportive housing. It points to a growing reality: The rising demand for affordable and supportive housing, combined with the rising complexity of health, mental health and/or substance use issues presents our greatest opportunity to improve outcomes and efficiency. Article content Article content If we integrate health and housing systems more effectively — properly align service delivery and funding mechanisms — we can better support individuals who are unstably housed or living in supportive housing. Article content Article content Supportive housing providers in Ottawa — such as Ottawa Salus, Options Housing, John Howard Society, Shepherds of Good Hope, Cornerstone Housing for Women and others — do exceptional work supporting people with complex needs. But they require greater funding to address high-acuity clients. Article content As chair of Ottawa Community Housing's (OCH) Board, I know our team also does exceptional work housing people. But approximately 12 per cent of tenants struggle to live independently and require more than just a roof over their heads; they require on-site or health and social supports as well, what are referred to as 'wraparound' services. Community housing was not designed and is not funded for this. That's why OCH's Complex Care Housing Strategy and new partnerships such as the Matthew Perry House are so critical: They bring together health and housing to reduce chronic homelessness and keep people stably housed. Article content Article content Article content Supportive housing — and community housing with embedded supports — are proven solutions. They reduce homelessness, hospital visits and emergency service use. It's cost-effective and it works. Article content On June 11, Ottawa Council passed my motion to send the auditor's report to both provincial and federal health and housing Ministers. Our message is clear: We are aligned on the need for sustained and increased funding and coordinated action to strengthen supportive housing and broader health and housing systems. Article content If we are to meet the moment, we cannot keep asking cities and non-profits to do this work without the resources to do it well. We can only scale up with provincial and federal government support.