At London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), we recognize that health care extends beyond hospital walls. For individuals experiencing homelessness, the need for safe, accessible, and integrated care is urgent. That’s why LHSC continues to play a key role in London’s Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response.
Building on success: House of Hope’s lasting community impact
Through a collaborative partnership between LHSC and London Cares, House of Hope continues to provide impactful supportive housing and wraparound support to individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness.
Since opening an initial 25 highly supportive housing units in October 2023, the House of Hope has housed 60 residents with many now living with greater stability, stronger connections, and improved wellbeing. In the first quarter of 2025, health-related data shows an 83 per cent reduction in emergency department visits and a 61 per cent decrease in hospital stays among residents. In addition, 87.5 per cent of residents remain housed after one year.
“As a hospital, we see firsthand the connection between health and homelessness,” says David Musyj, Supervisor at LHSC. “That’s why LHSC is proud to be a partner in driving real change through the Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response. The House of Hope is making a difference in the lives of Londoners and helping them avoid the need for hospital services.”
Meeting youth where they are: YOU’s Community Youth Hub
In November 2024, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) officially opened the Community Youth Hub on-site at LHSC’s Victoria Hospital. The hub provides 15 beds and wraparound services for youth aged 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness – offering a stable, supportive environment where they can access health care, life skills programming, and housing supports.
By locating the hub on hospital property, LHSC is helping to remove barriers to care and strengthening the bridge between health services and social supports for some of our community’s most vulnerable youth.
In the year before the hub opened, 280 youth under the age of 24 experiencing homelessness accounted for 642 visits to LHSC’s Emergency Departments. By offering an integrated model of care through the Community Youth Hub, LHSC is helping reduce unnecessary emergency department visits while providing earlier, trauma-informed interventions.
Since opening the Community Youth Hub on-site at Victoria Hospital, YOU has supported 34 youth by providing shelter, meals, and access to critical services. Several of these young people have already moved into independent housing and will continue to be supported through YOU’s outreach programs.
Funded in part through the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change, the hub is the result of collaboration between YOU, LHSC, and many community partners committed to addressing root causes for homelessness and improving outcomes for young people.