Thread by @imfgtoronto

Looking forward to the 10th Annual City Manager's Address with City of Toronto’s Chris Murray. The topic? How a prescription for supportive housing can reduce hallway medicine and why every government and community should care. Follow along with #IMFGTalks

Moderating the 10th IMFG Annual City Manager's Address is Lori Spadorcia, SVP Public Affairs and Partnerships, Chief Strategy Officer @CAMHnews.

This is the fourth presentation by Chris Murray and the second virtual City Manager's Address for IMFG.

“The highest 200-300 users of emergency room services — with over 75,000 visits per year —consume 30% of resources.” Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO - University Health Network (UHN) #IMFGTalks

Homelessness is an extremely complex and needs a whole of government approach just like addressing Covid.

“It is homes we must give our people, not merely shelter.” Dr. Charles Hastings, Toronto Medical Officer of Health, 1918. #IMFGTalks

The 2021 financial impact of COVID-19 for the City of Toronto was almost $1.6 billion. The City received $1.52 billion in 2021 from the federal and provincial governments to cover financial impact. Still hope to address difference. #IMFGTalks

Murray says Toronto is on track to deliver 1500 new supportive housing opportunities by end of 2022 with federal and City resources. #IMFGTalks

For 2022, Toronto anticipates a COVID-19 financial impact of $1.1 billion and has requested funding from the federal and provincial governments to cover this impact

Covid has played havoc with revenues. In 2021, shelter costs were over $600 million. The year before cost 40% less

Approximately 8000 people currently experiencing homelessness in Toronto – 77% chronically homeless. Chronic homelessness is being homeless longer than six months. Indigenous people & racialized individuals continue to be overrepresented among the homeless population. #IMFGTalks

10% of homeless are living outdoors. Approximately 50% of shelter users have a mental health issue. #IMFGTalks

77% of homeless are chronically homeless. Issues include: discrimination, lack of affordable housing, impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples, traumatic events, family violence and abuse, mental health and addiction issues, and other physical and health issues. #IMFGTalks

Emergency shelters cost $3,347 per month pre-COVID-19; now the cost is $6,667 per month. Justice system costs $4,900 per month for each homeless person in the justice system. Hospital stays cost $12,200 per month for each homeless person. #IMFGTalks

Affordable rental housing costs $1,148 per month for permanent, stable housing while supportive housing costs $2,000 per month to help individuals who need affordable housing with wrap around health supports. #IMFGTalks

Other services are impacted as well such as policing, fire, etc. If you don't have a proactive approach to supportive housing, imagine the costs 10 years from now if you don't address the issues. #IMFGTalks

Housing First Approach study: 80% maintained housing (people had been homeless for 5-6 years). A $10 investment would lead to a $15 savings. #IMFGTalks

Whole-of-governments and whole-of-community cooperation and coordination is required for a systems approach to address homelessness (with a focus on social determinants of health). #IMFGTalks

Toronto needs to include the GTHA - there has to be a regional approach to housing. #IMFGTalks

Chris Murray: No one government can do this alone. The federal government has the money. The province has the accountability. The city has the challenge. #IMFGTalks

Supportive housing is an integrated systems approach. Services needs to be adaptable and bring them to the people in need. #IMFGTalks

From Covid, the City learned the importance of engaging with not-for-profit and community partners regarding vaccines. Need to do this with other issues. #IMFGTalks

Toronto’s investments in a systems approach: Rapid Housing Initiative, Poverty Reduction Strategy; Toronto Overdose Action Plan; HousingTO Action Plan; Toronto Indigenous Health Strategy; Inclusionary Zoning; Community Partnerships; SafeTO; COVID-19 Recovery, etc. #IMFGTalks

A partnership between UHN and United Way Greater Toronto with federal funding led to Parkdale Modular Supportive Housing. Occupancy is set for spring 2022. #IMFGTalks

Victoria BC’s principles for supportive housing: recognize human right to housing in policies, programs; fully transform the homeless-serving system; improve standards and introduce accountability mechanisms; engage people experiencing homelessness as equal partners. #IMFGTalks

Chris Murray hopes the time is now to adopt a systems approach and not do another pilot project.

Chris Murray: It is not audacious at all to imagine Toronto as the first major city in North America to end chronic homelessness. #IMFGTalks

Moderator @LoriSpadorcia talks about how we've come together during Covid. Look at collaboration rather than jurisdictional issues, then we can face some very big challenges. #IMFGTalks

Spadorcia mentions the throne speech and the commitment to a housing accelerator fund ($4 billion fund). Murray says it is very positive that cities are being consulted.

Murray asks what are the future costs of city services if we stick with the status quo. #IMFGTalks

Murray: If we are still talking about this 10 years from now and we haven't made a dent, then we will be accountable. #IMFGTalks

Murray: How you build and govern cities should be determined by public health. They can do more than provide vaccines or inspect restaurants. #IMFGTalks