Supportive housing program for unhoused adults with complex health needs

Impact of a Social Medicine Housing Program on the Health and Healthcare Utilization of Adults Who Are Unhoused and Have Complex Health Needs

NA · University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06723093

This study tests whether a supportive housing program can help unhoused adults with complex health needs use healthcare services better and improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto (other)
Locations2 sites (Toronto, Ontario and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06723093 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a supportive housing program designed for adults who are unhoused and have complex health needs. It employs a cohort design with a propensity score-matched control group to assess the impact of the initiative on health service utilization and participant well-being. Participants are selected based on their recent health service usage, with a focus on those with the highest needs. The study utilizes a hybrid effectiveness-implementation framework to analyze both clinical outcomes and the implementation process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults who are currently unhoused and have a history of frequent health service utilization, particularly those who identify as Indigenous or belong to historically marginalized groups.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently unhoused or do not meet the health service utilization criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life for unhoused individuals with complex health needs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar supportive housing interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The Housing Initiative is part of standard care and is not contingent on participating in any research activities. Patients that participate in the Housing Initiative will have the option to participate in the research study.
* To qualify for housing through the initiative, patients must have had 2 or more inpatient admissions or 6 or more visits to the emergency department in the past 6 months. They must also either identify as Indigenous or be currently without housing, which is defined as having spent at least one night in a shelter or having received assistance from city-funded street outreach providers in the past 90 days. Historically marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, women, gender-diverse individuals, and Indigenous people, are given priority for housing. Eligible patients are prioritized for housing offers based on their use of the University Health Network emergency departments in the past year.

There are no exclusion criteria that would disqualify participants from participating in the research study if they have already enrolled in the Social Medicine Housing Initiative.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Homeless Persons, homelessness

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.