Toronto Hospital Expands Outreach to Tackle Homelessness & Social Isolation

TORONTO, ON – November 20, 2025

Bridging the Healthcare Gap for Toronto’s Vulnerable

St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto is set to significantly expand its outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness and social isolation, thanks to a $2 million donation from TD Bank Group. The funding will bolster two key programs: embedded homeless outreach services and a social prescribing program for seniors. This initiative comes at a critical time, with Toronto facing a worsening homelessness crisis and growing concerns about social isolation among its aging population.

“The need is immense,” said a healthcare worker familiar with the challenges faced by unhoused individuals. “Many people fall through the cracks and struggle to access the basic healthcare they deserve. Programs like these are vital in bridging that gap and ensuring everyone receives compassionate care.” The city currently estimates over 15,400 people are experiencing homelessness, a figure that has dramatically increased in recent years.

The Power of Embedded Outreach

St. Michael’s Hospital is unique in Ontario for its fully embedded homeless outreach team, which integrates directly into emergency department care. Unlike many hospitals that offer episodic or referral-based support, St. Michael's clinicians work alongside dedicated outreach workers, providing immediate support to patients experiencing homelessness and navigating complex social services. This ensures continuity of care and helps address the root causes of health issues. The program provides not just medical attention but also assistance with housing, income support, and mental health services.

“It’s about meeting people where they are,” explained a program coordinator. “For someone living on the streets, simply getting to a doctor’s appointment can be a huge barrier. By having our team embedded within the hospital, we can proactively identify patients in need and provide them with the support they require.” The hospital’s Emergency Department sees over 4,000 visits annually from people experiencing homelessness, highlighting the immense need for this type of integrated care. This approach minimizes hospital readmissions and improves long-term health outcomes.

Social Prescribing: Connecting Seniors to Community

The funding will also expand St. Michael’s social prescribing program for seniors. This innovative approach recognizes that health is determined not just by medical factors, but also by social, emotional, and economic well-being. Social prescribing involves connecting patients with non-medical activities and resources in their community – such as exercise classes, gardening clubs, art workshops, and volunteer opportunities – to improve their overall health and reduce social isolation.

“We’ve seen firsthand how powerful these connections can be,” said a geriatric specialist. “Social isolation is a major risk factor for both physical and mental health decline in seniors. By connecting them with meaningful activities and social networks, we can help them stay healthy, active, and engaged in their communities.” St. Michael’s was an early adopter of social prescribing in Canada, and the program has demonstrated promising results in improving the quality of life for participating seniors.

A Growing Trend in Healthcare

Both embedded outreach and social prescribing represent a shift in healthcare towards a more holistic and preventative approach. These models recognize the importance of addressing the social determinants of health – the economic, social, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. Increasingly, healthcare providers are realizing that simply treating illness is not enough; they must also address the underlying social and economic conditions that contribute to poor health.

TD Bank’s investment aligns with a growing trend among corporations to prioritize social responsibility and invest in programs that address critical social issues. “We believe it’s our responsibility to support the communities where we operate,” stated a TD spokesperson. “Investing in programs that address health equity is a key priority for us.” The donation builds on TD's previous $5 million in support for St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations.

This investment comes at a time when access to primary care is increasingly challenging for many Canadians. Over 6.5 million Canadians do not have a regular family doctor, and access rates are particularly low for marginalized communities. Programs like those at St. Michael’s Hospital are essential in providing healthcare to those who need it most, regardless of their socioeconomic status or housing situation.