Housing Services (available in Wellington and Dufferin Counties)
Housing plays a significant role in the fostering of mental well being. Housing should be a self-determined choice, affordable, accessible and safe. CMHA recognized that due to a variety of systemic reasons, appropriate housing is not readily available or accessible. CMHA Grand River Branch manages a number of housing options for people who experience significant mental health issues.
Discovery House is a service operated by the Guelph Centre for Mental Health to provide short-term, transitional housing. People who are eligible for this service will:
- Have a mental health issue
- Be 18 years of age and older
- Voluntarily choose to participate
- Pay rent based on income
- Plan to reside in Wellington-Dufferin and be actively supported by a local support service.
These "Step-Down Supportive Housing Services" are offered jointly by CMHA and the Homewood Health Centre located in Guelph. The service is offered to people who are on an in-patient unit at the Homewood Health Centre. The purpose of "step-down" housing is to help people re-enter the community following a hospital inpatient stay by providing integrated support and treatment services. The service is intended to shorten the length of hospital stay and provide time for the individual to complete a search for permanent housing in a non-hospital setting.
Permanent/Subsidized Housing was made available through the "Homelessness Initiative Project" and is available in both Wellington and Dufferin Counties. Housing stock consists of 54 permanent housing spaces for people who experience a mental health issue and who are at risk of becoming homeless. In 2007, the Canadian Mental Health Association Grand River Branch entered into a new partnership with Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health and Dunara to create an additional 40 units in Wellington and Dufferin Counties.
Application Process housing applications can be obtained from the Centres for Mental Health in Guelph and Orangeville. All individuals seeking housing through the Canadian Mental Health Association Grand River Branch must have a Support Coordinator or a support worker from another mental health organization.
For additional information, please contact the Centre for Mental Health in your area.