Matthew Perry House
Matthew Perry House Ottawa
At Matthew Perry House, we believe that true change comes from collaboration. On our own, we can make a difference. Together, we can change lives.
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Matthew Perry House Ottawa, a supportive recovery community being built in collaboration with Ottawa Community Housing, Ottawa Salus, CAPSA, The Royal, Rideauwood, Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition, and Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition.
This transformative initiative will provide housing, on-site care, and a comprehensive range of support services for over 160 individuals at a time. Designed to celebrate all paths to long-term recovery, Matthew Perry House Ottawa will serve as a beacon of hope for those on their recovery journey.
We view this as the first step in reimagining addictions treatment and support in Canada. Our vision is to make Matthew Perry Houses accessible to anyone in need, creating a legacy of recovery while strengthening support systems for individuals and their families. Through this, we aim to create lasting change and lay the foundation for a healthier future.
Together, we can change anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Ottawa?
Ottawa was Matthew’s home, where he grew up, discovered his love for tennis, and formed some of his most meaningful memories. It was important to start this journey in a place that was part of his story, but our vision goes beyond one city. We are committed to expanding Matthew Perry House to other communities, creating more spaces where people can find stability, support, and a fresh start.
Who will live at Matthew Perry House Ottawa?
Matthew Perry House Ottawa is designed for individuals who have completed a treatment program and are looking for a stable, supportive environment as they continue their recovery journey.
Who owns and operates Matthew Perry House Ottawa?
Matthew Perry House is at the centre of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada’s vision of ensuring people have access to comprehensive, long-term support on their recovery journey. We will always work in collaboration with experienced organizations to ensure that Matthew Perry Houses feel like home, reflect the communities around them, and provide care that meets the unique needs of every resident. While MPFC is committed to upholding the highest standards in care, day-to-day operations and resident support at Matthew Perry House Ottawa will be overseen by Ottawa Salus.
Matthew Perry House Ottawa is a collaboration between:
Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada (MPFC) provides overall leadership and direction for Matthew Perry House Ottawa, ensuring the initiative aligns with its mission to support long-term recovery.
Salus Ottawa is a leader in supportive housing, bringing decades of experience in providing stable, recovery-focused accommodations for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. At Matthew Perry House Ottawa, Salus oversees day-to-day operations and plays a key role in program design, ensuring residents have access to safe housing, mental health support, life skills development, and community reintegration resources.
Rideauwood Addiction & Family Services brings decades of expertise in addiction treatment and recovery support to Matthew Perry House Ottawa. As a leader in evidence-based treatment programming, Rideauwood is responsible for designing and delivering tailored recovery programs that meet the diverse needs of residents. Their approach integrates counseling, life skills development, and relapse prevention strategies, ensuring individuals have the tools and support they need to maintain long-term stability.
Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is the developer of Matthew Perry House Ottawa. OCH brings expertise in housing development, overseeing the construction process and collaborating with architects, city planners, and contractors to bring the project to life.
CAPSA plays a vital role in ensuring that Matthew Perry House Ottawa fosters a non-judgmental, person-centered approach to recovery. As a leader in reducing stigma and promoting evidence-based support, CAPSA is responsible for program design and operation, ensuring that residents receive compassionate, judgment-free care. By integrating lived experience into recovery programming, CAPSA helps create an environment where individuals feel empowered, supported, and understood as they work toward long-term stability.
The Royal is providing the land where Matthew Perry House Ottawa will be built by issuing a free long-term lease of three-acres of land at 1145 Carling Ave. This collaboration leverages a public asset to support the public good by helping to provide individuals with the on-going safety, connection and support that is essential to recovery. Residents of Matthew Perry House will also have access to many programs and services offered by The Royal to help support them in their recovery.
How many units will there be?
The design is in its final stages. The project will include approximately 160 homes across three distinct buildings, along with dedicated programming space.
How will safety and security be managed?
Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for residents and the surrounding community is a top priority. Matthew Perry House will have on-site support, offered in collaboration with local organizations, to maintain safety for all residents. In addition, residents of Matthew Perry House will commit to a good-neighbor policy based in respect and kindness. This isn’t just about safety, but about building more vibrant and friendly communities everywhere.
How will Matthew Perry House be different from other housing initiatives?
Matthew Perry House is designed to meet an unmet need. It will have differences and similarities to other housing initiatives. Here are some examples of what we mean.
Length of residency: Residents of Matthew Perry House will have access to supportive housing and programs as long as suits their needs. Most residents will live at MPH for multiple years.
Where we meet people: Many initiatives related to substance use recovery focus on acute care. They people they serve are just beginning a journey. Because we meet people a little ways down their paths to wellness, we do not offer early-recovery interventions like detox or safe use facilities. Residents of Matthew Perry House will have already accessed those earlier interventions, completely overcome symptomatic withdrawal, and arrive at MPH with the goal of ensuring that they can find life-long success in recovery.
A community space: Matthew Perry House is about finding strength and wellness together. We want to ensure that the community as a whole is part of what we mean when we say “together.”
What is the expected timeline for completion?
The project is in the early stages. Construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 2026 following the necessary approvals and community engagement processes. The goal is to welcome residents as soon as the buildings are completed and ready to offer the supportive environment they are designed for. We will keep the community updated as the project progresses.
How will Matthew Perry House be funded?
Funding comes from a combination of private donations, grants, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to recovery and mental health.
Has this project been approved?
We are working through the necessary approval processes, engaging with the community, and ensuring all zoning and permitting requirements are met.
How can interested individuals apply for housing?
We recognize the high demand for supportive housing like this and the urgent need for long-term recovery options. While we are still in the early stages, we are working to ensure a thoughtful and accessible application process. Once applications open, all details will be available on our website.
How can I support this initiative?
You can help by spreading awareness, donating, volunteering, or partnering with us to expand long-term recovery support. Join our mailing list for ways to get involved.
Who selected the location and why?
The Royal owns 24 acres of land on Carling Avenue in Ottawa, home to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. Like other cities across Canada, Ottawa faces a critical shortage of supportive housing for people with mental illness and addiction. This lack of housing creates barriers to accessing care and services and prevents stable transitions for patients moving from hospitals or inpatient treatment programs back into the community. Recognizing this urgent need, The Royal took action to make a meaningful impact where and how it could.
To address this gap, The Royal is issuing a long-term lease—at no cost—of three acres of its land for the construction of Matthew Perry House. This innovative use of a public asset to meet community demand for housing is one of the first of its kind in Canada, providing not just homes but also a full spectrum of support services.
Several factors influenced the decision on where to situate Matthew Perry House on The Royal’s campus. Protecting hospital operations was a key priority, particularly minimizing disruptions to parking facilities, which are essential for staff and patients. Additionally, ensuring the well-being of future residents was paramount, leading to the decision to avoid proximity to the nearby hydro station, which could pose concerns related to noise, electromagnetic fields, or visual impact.
Given the constraints on available land, careful consideration was required to find a suitable location that met the program’s needs. The area near Byng Drive emerged as the most logical choice, providing the necessary space while maintaining a respectful distance from neighboring properties to the north. A key advantage of this location is its minimal impact on the existing tree line, preserving a natural barrier that enhances the aesthetic, ecological, and visual appeal of the area.
This thoughtful, community-oriented approach ensures that Matthew Perry House is integrated into its surroundings in a way that prioritizes both resident well-being and environmental sustainability while maintaining the functionality of The Royal’s essential services.
