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Take 5 - Social Accountability - Health & Homelessness
Homelessness in London is a health issue as much as a housing issue. In late 2024, nearly 1,600 Londoners were experiencing homelessness, and more than 7,000 people were waiting for subsidized housing.
By the Numbers
- London: Nearly 1,600 people were experiencing homelessness at the end of 2024.
- Housing pressure: 7,628 households were on London’s subsidized housing wait-list as of June 30, 2025.
- Indigenous overrepresentation: At least 19% of people experiencing homelessness in London identify as Indigenous, and local estimates suggest the true figure may be closer to 30%.
Why This Matters for Healthcare
People experiencing homelessness are more likely to face complex physical health issues, mental health challenges, substance use harms, and repeated emergency care use when stable housing and community supports are missing. London’s local evaluation of supportive housing found dramatic changes in health system use: at House of Hope, one resident’s emergency department visits dropped from 221 in one year to just 9 after moving into highly supportive housing. Recognizing homelessness as a social determinant of health is essential to delivering equitable, trauma- and violence-informed, person-centred care. London’s Whole of Community System Response is built on that principle, emphasizing culturally safe, low-barrier, inclusive supports that meet people where they are.
What’s Happening in London
London’s Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response is a coordinated local effort designed to help people move safely indoors, connect with the right supports, and stay housed. Since 2023, two 24/7 Hubs — Wiigiwaaminaan Lodge and the YOU Community Youth Hub — have supported more than 100 people, with more than 40 transitioning into stable housing.
This work is being accelerated through the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change, which began with a $25 million anonymous donation and has now grown to $37.6 million. As of February 2026, the fund had distributed or committed more than $26 million toward Hubs and highly supportive housing projects in London.