Supportive Housing
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to help adults challenged by psychiatric disorders, with a primary focus on schizophrenia, attain a fulfilling and independent lifestyle within the community by providing vocational (Community Work Program), residential (Supportive Housing) and social programs.
Vision Statement:
We aspire to maintain a positive community profile with expanded and enhanced services supported by a solid and stable resource base.
Goals (True Experience):
- To provide medium support to adults with serious and persistent mental illness
- To provide support to clients in independent living accomodations in the community
- To encourage and support outreach and public education activities in order to further the goals and objectives of the clients and the program in the greater community
We Serve:
True Experience primarily serves clients from the Haldimand and Norfolk geographic area, as well as the other areas under the jurisdiction of the Local Health Integration Network #4, which includes Hamilton, Niagara, Brant and part of Halton.
Our clients are adults with severe and persistent mental illness who require specialized programs in Supportive Housing and Vocational Training and Skills Development.
Both the Supportive Housing and Community Work Program are open to clients who are 17 to 65 years of age with a history/diagnosis of a chronic mental illness. Program participation is voluntary.
Supportive Housing Program
The True Experience Supportive Housing Program is a client centred program in its 23rd year of operation, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
We operate a seven bed transitional/congregate living residence named “Opportunity House”, and apart from offering affordable housing, also focuses on teaching activities of daily living, personal budget management and involvement in the decision making process. The Supportive Housing Program also offers supports to clients living independently in the community.
There is currently no waiting list, and 3 beds are available.
Existing Client Services
The True Experience Supportive Housing Program provides:
- Medium support accommodation
- Assistance and support to the resident in attaining his/her optimum level of functioning
- Assistance to resident in preparing for independent living in the community
- Promotion of effective use of leisure time through development of social and recreational skills
- Encouragement to the resident to develop wellness strategies (medication compliance, healthy lifestyle choices)
- Encouragement to resident to increase involvement in work activities, continuation of education and/or volunteerism
- Advocacy for resident with landlords and other community services
- Limited crisis intervention (medical, psychiatric, situational)
- Family education and support
- Community outreach and education
Intake and Eligibility Criteria
- 17 years of age and over, with a diagnosis of mental illness
- Demonstrated means of income, i.e. Ontario Disability Support Program Canada Pension Plan (Disability), Ontario Works, Children’s Aid Society support
- Self-referral
- Referrals from other Mental Health agencies, Clergy, Family Doctor, Family members, Hospitals, other community resources
- Completion of “Application for Service” form and “Consent of Disclosure” form
- Interview with Supportive Housing staff and other residents
- Voluntary participation in program
Benefits for the Client/Resident
- 100% Rent Geared to Income
- Community integration/re-integration
- Non-institutionalized program and facility, a “home”, not just a house
- Socialization, Recreational activities
- On-going staff support
- Increased sense of belonging to a greater community
- Peer involvement and support
- Extended family atmosphere – caring, sharing, concerns
- Reduction of stigma associated with mental illness
Client/Resident Responsibilities
- Willingness to voluntarily participate in Supportive Housing Program and meaningful activities
- Desire to learn new skills and enhance present skill levels
- Fully participate in their recovery and well-being which includes following medical/psychiatrist prescribed medication regimen as an essential component in reducing re-hospitalizations and psychiatric episodes
- Ready to accept being socially, personally and financially responsible and accountable
- Being involved in the daily decision making process, and becoming empowered
