SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
The True Experience Supportive Housing Program is a client centered program which began in 1981.
We operate 2 transitional/congregate living residences named “Opportunity House” (supported in part by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) and “Trillium Manor” (supported in part by the Ontario Trillium Foundation) and 3 Co-Living residences.
Much more than just a roof overhead, our supportive housing programs offer affordable housing, practical teaching of the 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.
CONGREGATE LIVING
True Experience Supportive Housing – Congregate Living:
- 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 FOR CONGREGATE LIVING
- 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” and “Consent to Disclose Personal Health Information"
- Interview with Supportive Housing staff and other residents
- Residents must be interested in participating in activities and receiving support
BENEFITS OF CONGREGATE LIVING FOR THE CLIENT / RESIDENT
- 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 FOR CONGREGATE LIVING
- 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
OPPORTUNITY HOUSE PICTURES
TRILLIUM MANOR PICTURES
CO-LIVING
True Experience Supportive Housing – Co-Living:
- The step between congregate and independent living
- 3 residents per house
- Private bedroom
- Shared living space
- Household management responsibilities
- Clean and sober living
- Self-care
- Must be medication compliant
- Support staff on site based on need
- Rent includes utilities and internet
- Fully furnished
- 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)
- Community outreach and education
INTAKE AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR CO-LIVING
- Adults,17 years of age and over with a diagnosis of mental illness or at risk of homelessness
- Medication compliant and able to manage own medication
- Clean and sober for a minimum of 3 months
- Motivated to increase independence
- Interested in participating in house programs, decisions and share of household tasks
- No history of violence, serious criminal record or fire setting
- Meet income eligibility
- Self-referral
- Referrals also accepted from other Mental Health agencies, Clergy, Family Doctor, Family members, Hospitals, other community resources
- Completion of “Application for Service” and “Consent to Disclose Personal Health Information"
- Interview with Supportive Housing staff and other residents
- Residents must be interested in participating in activities and receiving support
BENEFITS OF CO-LIVING FOR THE CLIENT / RESIDENT
- Affordable rent
- Fully furnished
- Community integration/re-integration
- 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 FOR CO-LIVING
- Willingness to voluntarily participate meaningful activities
- Desire to learn new skills and enhance present skill levels
- Ready to accept being socially, personally and financially responsible and accountable
- Being involved in the daily decision making process, and becoming empowered
- Dedicated to living a clean and sober lifestyle
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY...
“I feel this is a highly effective program which should be in every community. Love the program.” - Anonymous
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APPLICATIONS
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True Experience Supportive Housing and Community Work Program is funded in part by Ontario Health. |
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