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Currently, the organization provides a total of 331 subsidized accommodations through agency-owned properties (10 properties, 67 spaces) and partnerships with 32 private and non-profit sector landlords (264 one bedroom apartments).
Housing options range from shared furnished homes to single apartment units, all of which offer private bedrooms.
All individuals housed by WRHMH receive a range of ongoing support services, from 24/7 to monthly contact as required.
In keeping with our Vision of “responding more effectively to the increasing complexity of people’s needs and aspirations”, WRHMH has linked with community partners to provide more housing and services to meet the increasing need for specialized services by people in the community. These include the Sunnyside Supportive Housing Initiative, Supportive Housing Initiative for People with Substance Use Issues, Supportive Housing of Waterloo and the Whatever It Takes Initiative.
Sunnyside Supportive Housing Initiative: a partnership with the Region of Waterloo to provide supportive housing to seniors, including those with mental health issues. Occupants for this 30-unit building moved in the first week in March 2010. WRHMH has been allocated thirteen one bedroom units.
The approach to this partnership is based on a shared care model. The Region staff provide day-to-day group and personal care services (lunch, assistance with laundry, housekeeping) while WRHMH provides mental health and other life skill supports (i.e. recovery planning, grocery shopping).
Supportive Housing Initiative for People with Substance Use Issues: stable housing for people with problematic substance use is central to attaining treatment goals and housing must be part of any comprehensive treatment program.
The Government of Ontario is providing $16 million, province-wide, over three years, to fund 1,000 supportive housing units for people with substance use issues. Waterloo Wellington has been allocated 48 units as part of this project with the first 32 units opening in fall 2010.
Partners include WRHMH and House of Friendship in Waterloo Region; Stonehenge Therapeutic Community and Canadian Mental Health Association- Grand River Branch in Wellington County.
Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW): is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 2007 by a group of fifteen Waterloo-based churches and faith groups. The mandate is to design, build, and operate permanent, affordable, supportive housing in the City of Waterloo for people who are experiencing homelessness. To this end, the organization has built a 5-storey apartment building consisting of thirty self-contained residential units.
WRHMH will acquire up to eleven units, seven for individuals with mental health issues and four for people with substance use issues. Support services will be provided by the YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo and augmented by various outreach staff in the community. Tenants moved in June, 2010.
Whatever It Takes Initiative: a partnership amongst WRHMH, the Region of Waterloo, Lutherwood, and Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services is a pilot project that is bringing together key service providers to provide support for persistently homeless individuals with a goal of facilitating long term housing stability.
If you are looking for subsidized housing within the Region of Waterloo, WRHMH is a Community Housing Access Site where you can apply. An Application and Guide for Completion are available at our office, on this site or can be obtained from the Region of Waterloo www.region.waterloo.on.ca/chac or send an email to chac@region.waterloo.on.ca.
Referral Process –for Housing, Outreach and Short Term Support Services, and Long Term Support Services. Assistance is available to eligible individuals with a mental health issue, age 16 years or older. Priority will be given to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. To apply, please contact the Community Intake Coordinator for an appointment. Intake staff will interview you at your home or the location of your preference. The interview usually takes one hour.  Eligible applicants may be placed on a wait list.
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