Advocates rally around Homelessness Ends with Housing Act

October 21, 2025

QUEEN'S PARK — MPPs Aislinn Clancy Lee Fairclough have received endorsements for the Homelessness Ends with Housing Act ahead of its debate on Wednesday.

CEO of Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo, Tara Groves: “This bill takes a critical step forward by proposing a province-wide homelessness elimination strategy grounded in meaningful data, achievable housing targets, and investments in supportive housing with integrated health and mental health services. These are the kinds of measures required to address the complex and interconnected challenges faced by those we serve.” 

“We are particularly encouraged by the bill’s housing-first approach, which aligns with evidence-based best practices and reflects our own model of care. 

CEO of CMHA Waterloo Wellington, Helen Fishburn: “Research shows that individuals experiencing poor mental health are 50 per cent more likely to live in inadequate housing—conditions that fail to meet their basic needs—compared to those with good mental health. Housing instability puts mental health at risk, and when mental health deteriorates, the ability to secure and maintain housing becomes even more difficult. This cycle underscores the urgent need to address the social determinants of health, including access to safe, stable housing, as a critical component of mental wellness.”

Tracy Elop, CEO of Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health: “At Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health, we see every day how stable housing is essential to mental health and recovery. A home provides the foundation for safety, dignity and healing. We strongly support this bill’s housing-first approach, which recognizes that ending homelessness begins with housing and compassion. This is the kind of leadership and collaboration Ontario needs.” 

Ajirioghene Evi, CEO of Ontario Association of Social Workers: “Social workers across Ontario are witness to the consequences of homelessness, precarious housing and inadequate access to safe, affordable housing. We see the consequences in the lives of those impacted and across a wide range of service systems – health care, criminal justice, developmental services, immigrant settlement, child protection, education and others. Adequate, safe housing is fundamental to health and is a key input to supporting the well-being of those experiencing problems with mental health and substance use. It is for this reason that we applaud the introduction of Bill 28, the Homelessness Ends with Housing Act, 2025.”

Peter Martin, Housing Solutions Manager, Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness: “As a person who used to be homeless and who now works in the non-profit affordable housing sector, I understand the importance of building the right type of housing so that those currently homeless can transition back into productive, healthy lives. From a personal and professional perspective, I believe the proposed bill will provide key insights and recommendations to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness supports the proposed bill as advancing the goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.”“I am proud to have the support of so many advocates, experts and people with lived experience for the Homelessness Ends with Housing Act,” said Clancy. “I am proud to be working across party lines with MPP Fairclough to push the Ford government to pass this critical legislation to eliminate homelessness in Ontario within 10 years.”

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