What is supportive housing?
Supportive housing is affordable housing combined with on-site or community based staff supports, designed to help individuals with complex needs—such as substance use disorders and mental health challenges—live safely and independently.
Why is it important?
Supportive housing is an essential component of care for people living with complex medical, mental health, and substance use needs. Housing IS healthcare!
- Continuous Support: 24/7 staff ensures immediate assistance during crises, reducing risks of relapse or harm.
- Integrated Health Care: On-site or coordinated medical, mental health, and addiction services improve treatment adherence and overall well-being.
- Stable Environment: Secure housing reduces stress and instability, which are major triggers for relapse and mental health deterioration.
- Recovery-Oriented: Residents receive personalized care plans, life skills training, and peer support to foster long-term recovery.
- Cost-Effective & Preventative: Reduces hospitalizations, emergency visits, and justice system involvement, saving public resources.
How do we contribute?
The Integrated Health Care Team, operated by the Guelph Community Health Centre, is a critical component of supportive housing models in the City of Guelph. The team provides mobile, low barrier access to primary care, and substance use health services including:
- Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of health conditions
- Wound care
- Medication and injectable management
- Infection screening
- Preventative vaccines
- Substance use health services
- Harm reduction and drug poisoning prevention education and supports
- Coordinated care with a broad range of services providing care to those living with substance use and mental health needs
December 2025: 10 Shelldale, a32-unit permanent supportive housing community offered through a partnership between Kindle Communities, Guelph Community Health Centre, and Stonehenge Therapeutic Community, has proudly marked its first year of providing stability and care!
Download the full report here.
10 Shelldale Impact Report 2025 FINAL
