SHHI

The Supportive Housing and Health Initiative (SHHI)

The Supportive Housing and Health Initiative (SHHI) is a multidisciplinary program that supports people transitioning from chronic homelessness into supportive housing. SHHI recognizes that housing is only the first step and that long-term stability depends on access to coordinated health care, social supports, and system navigation.

SHHI is delivered by Sanguen Health Centre in partnership with the Region of Waterloo and local housing and service providers.

Why SHHI Matters

Moving into housing after long periods of homelessness can be life-changing—but it can also bring new challenges. Many tenants continue to experience:

  • Complex physical and mental health needs
  • Trauma and social isolation
  • Substance use and addiction-related harms
  • Difficulty navigating healthcare and support systems

Without coordinated support, these challenges can put housing stability at risk. SHHI exists to reduce that risk, improve health outcomes, and help people remain housed.

Program Overview

SHHI provides holistic, on-site, and community-based support to tenants living in both fixed-site and scattered supportive housing. The program focuses on early intervention, relationship-based care, and reducing crises before they escalate.

Supports may include:

  • System navigation and advocacy
  • Access to primary care or support connecting to care
  • Nursing support
  • Mental health counselling
  • Addiction and substance use support
  • Support with complex health needs
  • Education and hands-on support around issues such as hoarding

Services are tailored to the needs of each housing site and the individuals living there.

A Collaborative Approach

SHHI was built through a proactive, community-informed process. The program evolved from visits to supportive housing sites to understand specific gaps and challenges, leading to targeted investments such as:

  • Dedicated mental health counselling hours
  • Addiction workers providing on-site support and referrals
  • Education and capacity-building for housing staff

The program works closely with housing providers and community partners, including Porchlight, House of Friendship, and Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health, to ensure care is coordinated and responsive.

Impact

SHHI has made a meaningful difference for tenants and housing providers alike. By focusing on proactive, relationship-based care, the program:

  • Improves access to appropriate healthcare
  • Reduces emergency service use
  • Strengthens housing stability
  • Supports dignity, autonomy, and long-term well-being

The program’s flexible model allows the team to respond quickly to emerging needs and advocate effectively within complex systems.

Who SHHI Supports

Tenants residing in supportive housing locations supported by Starling Community Services may be referred to SHHI, including:

  • YW Blockline Supportive Housing
  • YW Lincoln Road Supportive Housing
  • SHOW
  • Eby and Charles Village
  • OneROOF
  • Underhill and scattered-site locations

How to Connect

For Tenants

Tenants can connect with SHHI:

  • On-site at supportive housing locations, or
  • At Sanguen’s drop-in clinic for scattered-site tenants
    Wednesdays, 1:00–4:00 PM
     📍 130 Victoria St. S, Kitchener

SSHI is in partnership with Porchlight, House of Friendship, and Camino.