Advancing Inter-Sectoral Action on Harm Reduction and Anti-Racism in the Supportive Housing Growth Plan
The Toronto Supportive Housing Growth Plan (the Growth Plan) was co-convened by the Wellesley Institute, CMHA Toronto, the Toronto Mental Health and Addictions Supportive Housing Network (TMHASHN), and TAEH. It is a 10-year, intersectoral strategy to grow the supply of supportive housing in Toronto, improve access to supportive housing, and enhance care for clients through collaboration across sectors. It was collaboratively developed and signed onto by housing and supports organizations from across the health, housing, and disability and inclusion sectors, with ongoing involvement and support from other partners in government and health sectors.
The Advancing Inter-Sectoral Action project drove progress in the implementation on two priorities of the Growth Plan: harm reduction and anti-racism. Through strengthening partnerships between municipal partners, community organizations, housing providers and health providers, this work aims to enhance access to harm reduction services in housing settings and streamline the integration of leadership from organizations that are led by and serving racialized communities and people with lived experienced to co-design improvements to advance health equity.
This project was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, overseen by the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness, and delivered in collaborative partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Toronto, and the Supportive Housing Growth Plan signatories.
Harm Reduction Policy Toolkit
This practical toolkit helps housing providers develop or strengthen harm reduction policies that support resident well-being, dignity, and autonomy.
Harm Reduction Services Directory
This list is not comprehensive, and the harm reduction landscape is continually evolving. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by TAEH or SHGP signatories; housing providers should contact organizations directly to confirm available services, and harm reduction providers are encouraged to share updates to keep the directory accurate.
Building Partnerships for Harm Reduction in Housing
This guide supports the development of strong and effective partnerships between housing providers and harm reduction service providers.
Advancing Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression in Supportive and Social Housing
This toolkit helps housing organizations embed anti-racism and anti-oppression (ARAO) principles across their policies, practices, and partnerships.
ARAO Service Providers
This list is not exhaustive but includes many ARAO-focused service providers in Toronto across housing, health, and community support sectors.
Two New Tool Kits
Belonging at Home: An Anti-Stigma Guide for Housing Providers Supporting Resident-to-Resident Relationships with People Who Use Drugs.
This toolkit was developed to support housing providers and frontline staff fostering healthier, more connected, and inclusive communities within supportive and social housing buildings by centring harm reduction, equity, and relational approaches. Access the toolkit here.
Belonging in Community An Anti-Stigma Guide for Housing Providers Working with Neighbours and People Who Use Drugs. stigma remains a major barrier to effective harm reduction in housing contexts. People who use drugs often experience exclusion and discrimination that can undermine their ability to maintain stable housing, access services, and build community. Stigma also fuels resistance from neighbours, making it harder for housing providers to offer supports or engage communities constructively. To respond to these challenges, housing providers need tools that can support both residents and communities. This toolkit aims to fill that gap by offering strategies and resources to reduce stigma, foster positive relationships, and support the integration of harm reduction practices in the communities around supportive and social housing. Access the toolkit here.