Why Toronto’s homeless are sleeping in hospital ERs

Guest: Victoria Gibson, affordable housing reporter

While hospitals are still struggling with staff shortages and overflowing ERs, some have also been pushed to the front lines of Toronto’s homelessness crisis. As almost 5,000 homeless Torontonians came through St. Michael’s downtown trauma centre last year, some were there simply because they had no place to stay. It prompted hospital staff to launch an outreach program that connects patients to crucial supports beyond just immediate medical care. This includes providing a warm bed, clothes and even free legal advice to the city’s vulnerable. We take a look at the scope and span of this program.

This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Saba Eitizaz.

Audio Sources: City of Toronto