Windsor’s Shelter Health granted provincial funding

Shelter Health, an organization bringing healthcare to Windsor’s homeless population, has received provincial funding. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco reports.

What started off as a concept of bringing healthcare to Windsor’s homeless community is now a vital link.

“We’ve seen real success stories,” said Nicole Sbrocca, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Windsor-Essex.

“We’re already seeing both impressive results in terms of the data but also lived experience from those that are frequenting these clinics and these services.”

The Windsor Shelter Health Association was formed in 2021 to deliver healthcare to those experiencing homelessness. The proof-of-concept model received in-kind support from Windsor Regional, CMHA, and the City of Windsor.

The provincial government came on board last year providing close to $3.9 million in funding through 2026.

“The additional funding means sustainability,” said Shelter Health Medical Director, Jennifer Bondy.

The investment follows the government’s recent approval of a Homeless Shelter Alternate Payment Plan (HSAPP) agreement for local physicians.

The group of Windsor physicians is one of four in Ontario receiving the designation and funding.

“This funding is the starting funding, and I have strong feeling we’ll see each other again on this in the future,” noted Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.

The funding allows for 11 physicians, eight general practitioners, and three specialists to continue delivering care to each of the five key locations:

• The Salvation Army Men’s Emergency Shelter
• The Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4)
• The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families
• The Downtown Mission of Windsor
• Journey Home Hospice
• Various Housing with Supports sites

Bondy said they are seeing more patients, who can walk in with no appointment.

“When we build trust then we can encourage people to continue to come in, and that is going to lead to improved outcomes, more preventative care, and so a lot less catch up afterwards, which is good for the healthcare system in general because it means then we’re spending less money downstream then we would be otherwise,” said Bondy.

The initial stream of government funding has helped physicians provide over 5,000 visits across all shelters. They see, on average, about 200 unique patients a month.

“We’ve seen improvement in medication adherence and better follow up on both chronic issues and acute health issues,” Sbrocca said.

Officials have seen a reduction in emergency department use for issues now addressed at shelter sites instead.

“There’s a lot of good work going on across the province, and I think it’s important to lean on what we know works and continue building in that way,” said Bondy, who would like to identify more community partnerships and find out what other sites can be served so the group can help.