At present, the Durham Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association owns three non-profit homes occupied by 22 residents. These tenants receive rent geared to income, subsidized, affordable housing. Individuals living in these homes enjoy security of tenure under the Tenant Protection Act, and sign a Tenancy Agreement with CMHA - Durham. Residents also sign a support service agreement with their support staff in order to establish a basis for mutual understanding and a shared working relationship.
Staff teach and assist clients to learn skills and share in responsibilities associated with co-ed, co-operative living. Residents support one another to reach their goals. Shared living can be either on a transitional basis or permanent. Most people live in these homes with the goal of moving into any of the dedicated housing units made available to CMHA in non-profit and co-op projects within the Durham Region.
Applicants are responsible to provide income verification of money earned in order to qualify for subsidized housing. All units are rent geared to income. Residents pay a portion of cable, phone, utilities, replacement costs, and contributes equally to the weekly groceries.
There is a waiting list and housing is available on a first come first serve basis. Optional priority is given to applicants with special circumstances. For a nominal cost, potential residents come in for an orientation stay in the home to see if this type of housing suits their individual needs. referrals can be made to the Intake and assessment workers at 905-436-8760 ext. 103 or 104.
Case management supports are available to individuals who occupy 1 and 2 bedroom affordable apartments in non-profit housing projects. Forty-five units, housing over 60 residents, are allocated to our agency by non-profits through special agreements that have been established over the years. These units are available to individuals on our waiting list, when vacancies occur. Case Management is also provided for people who reside in rooms, boarding homes, or their own apartments as well as people living in the northern areas of Durham Region. Through partnering with other agencies, staff ensure that the most appropriate services and housing options are accessed for these individuals.
Crisis and respite services are available to any of the clients presently receiving supports. They are given the phone number to reach staff where assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The overall objective is to increase the quality of life, success and satisfaction of the mental health consumer, regardless of their illness, in the most non-intrusive way possible, respecting their choice of environment.
The approach is a self-directed one, which enables the individual to attain his/her maximum level of functioning. Staff ensure that basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter are met. Staff establish working relationships with individuals assisting them in their rehabilitation process.
Upon their request for case management services, clients sign a Support Service Agreement with their case manager. They then establish a mutal working, supportive relationship.
STAFF SUPPORTS INCLUDE:- Skills, strengths and needs assessment
- Developing individual rehabilitation plans
- Direct skills teaching
- Linking with community resources and natrual support systems
- Advocating on behalf of the individual
- Portable, flexible, long term supports, which move with the individual
- Crisis response
- Assistance to families
- A team approach with hospitals, doctors, and other medical personnel to ensure on-going consistency
