Toronto Hospital Expands Dunn House Housing Program for Frequent Emergency Room Users
A Toronto hospital network is significantly expanding a permanent housing program designed for homeless individuals who frequently visit emergency departments. The initiative, known as Dunn House, currently houses 51 residents and will scale up to accommodate 300 people.
Dr. Andrew Boozary of the University Hospital Network stated that the model offers a more humane approach to supporting vulnerable populations while also proving cost-effective. The project operates through a partnership involving federal and provincial governments, the city, and the hospital.
Dunn House residents reduce emergency visits and hospital stays
Preliminary data from Dunn House demonstrates steep declines in both emergency department utilization and inpatient care duration among its residents. 48 residents visited emergency rooms 52 percent fewer times annually after moving into the facility. When those same residents required hospital admission, their length of stay dropped by 79 percent.
Financial metrics tracked across the same group of 48 patients highlight substantial savings for the healthcare system. Before moving into Dunn House, the patients accumulated $2.1 million in hospital costs over a 12-month period. In the year following their housing placement, the hospital system saved $1.66 million.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunn House
How many people currently live in Dunn House?
Dunn House currently provides permanent housing for 51 residents who previously relied heavily on hospital emergency departments.
What is the target capacity for the expanded housing program?
The model will expand from its initial footprint to provide permanent housing and support for 300 individuals.
Which organizations are funding and supporting the project?
The housing initiative operates as a collaborative partnership between the federal government, the provincial government, the city, and the hospital network.
In a previous year before securing permanent housing at Dunn House, a cohort of 48 patients generated $2.1 million in hospital costs.
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