A qualitative study examining the experiences of people who use drugs in supportive housing in London, Ontario

Background Since 2016, London, Ontario has experienced increasing numbers of opioid overdoses and overdose related deaths. Supportive housing agencies have been especially impacted, experiencing an 890% increase in opioid overdose from 2018-2021. A coalition was formed between London housing agencies and our research team to better understand the perspective of precariously housed participants who use drugs on existing substance use and overdose related policies within housing agencies. We aimed to center participant voices in policy development efforts.