September 14th, 2025 (Ottawa) – Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) welcomes today’s announcement from the federal government of $1 billion to build new transitional and supportive housing as part of Build Canada Homes. This commitment to prioritize non-market housing and work with provinces, territories, and municipalities to provide wrap-around supports is a critical step forward in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity for those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
Today in Ontario, more than 36,000 people are on waitlists for mental health and addictions supportive housing, with average wait times nearing four years. Despite rising demand, too many people are left waiting to access housing which meets their needs.
“Access to mental health and addictions supportive housing leads to better health outcomes, decreased homelessness, and reduced use of emergency services,” said Jennifer Holmes Weier, CEO of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario. “AMHO applauds the federal government for their leadership and their commitment to work with all levels of government to ensure housing is paired with the mental health and addictions supports people need to thrive.”
Earlier this year AMHO published a new research report, “Unlocking Solutions”, to help enumerate the current demand for mental health and addictions supportive housing in Ontario, and identify opportunities to help close policy and funding gaps which have prevented thousands of people from accessing the housing supports they need, when and where they need them.
Leveraging the experience and expertise of our members, AMHO looks forward to working together with the federal government, and continuing our work together with the Ontario government, to ensure these new investments have maximum impact in our communities.
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Media Contact:
David Turnbull
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
david.turnbull@amho.ca | 416-729-2031