World Mental Health and World Homeless Day

This Saturday, October 10th is both World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day. From the perspective of the Dream Team, it seems fitting that the two days would overlap – because as psychiatric consumer/survivors we know first-hand how mental health issues can impact a person’s ability to maintain stable housing.

Supportive housing provides stability on two levels. Principally, as a “housing first” model, it provides the guarantee of a home regardless of one’s mental state or level of treatment. Secondly, the mental health supports provided by supportive housing agencies allow tenants to create a sense of community and combat the isolation that can exacerbate mental health symptoms. Research has shown that supportive housing There are over 13,000 people on the waiting list for life-saving supportive housing in Toronto.

We also know that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed cracks in our society where some of the most vulnerable members continue to be left behind. It is now more important than ever to raise issues around mental health supports and fair, affordable housing for all.

Here are a few things we can do to participate in World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day on October 10th:

Join the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness

Read more about the impact of Supportive Housing -  We Are Neighbours

Attend the online advocacy event for mental health hosted by the WHO