Ottawa will soon feature a supportive housing project named after the late actor Mathew Perry to help people with addictions. The new housing project will feature 160-170 housing units and offer counselling services, job training, family support, and more.

Matthew Perry House is a first-of-its-kind supportive housing project brought to reality through a collaboration between the Matthew Perry Foundation, The Royal, Salus Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing, CAPSA Canada, Rideauwood, the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition, and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition. It will provide housing, therapy, and other services to people who have completed initial addiction treatment but still need long-term support in their recovery.

Having attended high school in Ottawa, Perry died in 2023 in Los Angeles after struggling with addiction for years. He had struggled with traditional treatment centres that did not offer a permanent solution to addiction. Matthew Perry House will offer year-long treatments and even permanent housing wherever required.

Housing units with childcare, all-around support, and essential services are critical for people with addictions to safeguard themselves from a relapse. Caitlin Morrison, executive director of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada and Perry’s sister, is hopeful that they can bring similar initiatives to other parts of Canada as well. An initiative such as the Mathew Perry House with long-term care and support for people with addictions can help create better communities.

Source: Ottawa Citizen