Ontario Opening New Hospice for Homeless in Toronto

Ontario Health Minister Dr. Hoskins

Province Bringing Palliative and End-of-Life Care to Those in Need

Ontario is expanding access to palliative and end-of-life care for homeless people in Toronto.

Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, was at Homes First today to announce funding for a new four-bed hospice for the homeless population, with another six beds to be added over the next two years. The new hospice, which will open soon in downtown Toronto, will provide high-quality care to 40 to 50 people in need each year.

Ontario is partnering with Hospice Toronto, Saint Elizabeth Foundation and Inner City Health Associates on this project to address the demand for end-of-life and palliative care for the homeless population in the province’s largest city. The new hospice, named Journey Home Hospice, will offer flexible care suited to the unique and complex needs of homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Ontario’s plan to create fairness and opportunity during this period of rapid economic change includes a higher minimum wage and better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25 through the biggest expansion of Medicare in a generation.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario is investing $245,000 in 2017-18 to support Journey Home Hospice for homeless and vulnerably housed people.
  • Ontario’s investment in Journey Home Hospice is part of an additional $75 million for hospice and palliative care over three years across the province.
  • In 2017-18, the province is also providing 11 Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) with $100,000 each to support innovative models of palliative care for homeless people across Ontario.
  • Based on the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panel on Homelessness, Ontario has set a goal to end chronic homelessness by 2025.
  • The province provides almost 17,000 units of supportive housing for people living with mental illness or addictions, and other vulnerable people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Ontario’s hospices do a remarkable job providing essential care in our communities. By investing in hospice palliative care for homeless Ontarians, we’re helping some of the most vulnerable people in the province get the compassionate care they need.”

Dr. Eric Hoskins

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“Journey Home Hospice will give the homeless and vulnerably housed a welcoming and safe place to spend their final days and weeks of life, and access to the high-quality hospice care they deserve.”

Shirlee Sharkey

CEO, Saint Elizabeth

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