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Homelessness Solution Offers Hope in Montreal
2 May
Summary
- PRISM program offers housing and health services to homeless.
- Program proves cost-effective compared to individual care costs.
- Success inspires similar initiatives in other cities.
The PRISM program, initiated in 2013, offers a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges in Montreal. This initiative provides integrated psychiatric, medical, and social services within shelter environments for a period of two to three months.
PRISM has a proven track record, with over half of its participants between 2013 and 2019 maintaining permanent housing a year later. The program's success has led to its expansion and inspired similar projects in other Quebec cities and Toronto.
Designed by psychiatrist Olivier Farmer, PRISM follows a 'housing first' philosophy. This approach has shown to improve both mental and physical health by prioritizing stable housing. The program's cost per participant, averaging $5,000 to $7,000 for an eight- to 12-week stay, is significantly lower than the estimated annual cost of supporting an unhoused individual with mental illness.
Currently operating in seven Montreal locations, PRISM has also expanded to include women and is seeing growth in other regions. Despite its success, experts emphasize the importance of preventing homelessness to reduce the long-term difficulties individuals face.
PRISM's model has garnered attention, even winning a citywide contest in Toronto for its innovative approach to addressing homelessness and improving mental health outcomes.
