Effective, Just and Humane: A Case for Client-Centered Collaboration A Case Study of John Howard Society of Toronto’s Housing Program
Access to stable and secure housing is a cornerstone of healthy communities. Failure to provide this necessary foundation for individuals who are vulnerable to homelessness results in a population that faces enormous health disparities, not to mention massive costs to health care and social service systems. Negative effects of homelessness include higher risk of: Respiratory infections, HIV, Skin diseases, Heart attacks, Strokes, Diabetes, Hepatitis, Epilepsy, and Cancer (Bonin et al, 2004; Street Health, 2007). Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are the social factors that can contribute to health, and can include poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, inadequate housing, and lower literacy and education levels. These factors interact with one another, and with broader societal factors such as the economy, social safety net, and healthcare system, in a complex and cumulative manner, to influence overall health (CSDH, 2008). Homelessness increases the risk of incarceration, and incarceration increases the risk of homelessness (Metraux & Culhane, 2006). Given the links between homelessness, incarceration, and the SDoH, there is a strong need for programs that provide integrated housing and services to those at risk of incarceration or previously incarcerated.
The Centre of Research, Policy & Program Development, John Howard Society of Ontario
The Centre of Research, Policy & Program Development
John Howard Society of Ontario
Enoch Landau, Ph.D.
Researcher and Program Evaluator
Centre of Research, Policy & Program Development
John Howard Society of Ontario
603-111 Peter Street
Toronto, ON M5V 2H1
416.408.4282 Ext 227
www.johnhoward.on.ca
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Keywords: community psychology, mental health treatment, housing, gjcpp
Based on a work at www.gjcpp.org. 
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