This innovative transitional housing program provides wrap-around supports for senior men with a history of homelessness and mental health or addictions issues.
Quick facts
Service type: Housing & Homelessness, Health & Wellness
Eligibility: Men 55+ who have experienced mental health or substance use issues, street involvement, homelessness or unstable housing
Delivery: In person, virtual and by phone
Fee: Tenants pay monthly rent for accommodation
Program dates: Year-round
Program description
First Step to Home is a four-year transitional housing programfor men 55+who have experienced mental health or substance use issues, street involvement, unstable housing and homelessness. In addition to safe and affordable housing,participants have access toon-site health servicesand wrap-around supports, including case management, counselling, harm reduction and addiction supports, lifeskills trainingand volunteer opportunities. First Step to Home supports clients to discover new strengths, recreate a sense of community and ultimately obtain affordable and sustainable housing.
Testimonial
In this video, a First Step to Home participant shares their experience with the program.
Location
650 Queen St. E.
Toronto, ON
M4M 1G5
How you can help
Donations are graciously accepted through the WoodGreen Foundation. Corporate volunteer inquiries can also be directed to the WoodGreen Foundation. For student placement and individual volunteer opportunities, please contact Jessica Ostrom at jostrom@woodgreen.org.
Ready to participate?
Registration
First Step to Home is not a drop–in program. It is a transitional housing program with an application process. Please download the application form here.
To learn more, please contact:
Contact information
Jess Whelan
Manager, Supportive Housing Programs (First Step to Home)
jwhelan@woodgreen.org
Hours
24/7 staffing model with a combination of community support workers, social workers and security
Partners
Referring parties for applicants:Streets to Homes, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Across Boundaries, Christie Ossington, Alternatives, Fred Victor
Service providers: St. Michael’s Hospital, Bridgepoint Hospital, VHA Home HealthCare, Spectrum, St. Elizabeth Hospital, South Riverdale Community Health Centre, WoodGreen Housing
Related programs
In person
570 Coxwell Avenue
This location has 11 bachelor units for single occupants.
This site offers seven bachelor and 11 one-bedroom units for individuals who have experienced homelessness and are recovering from mental health challenges.
In person
Individuals who have experienced homelessness and are recovering from mental health challenges
This site offers 2 two-bedroom units and 11 one-bedroom units for individuals who have experienced homelessness and are recovering from mental health challenges.
In person
Individuals who have experienced homelessness and are recovering from mental health challenges
This site offers seven bachelor and 13 one-bedroom units for individuals who have experienced homelessness and are recovering from mental health challenges.
In person
Individuals who have experienced homelessness and are recovering from mental health challenges
Operated in partnership with Fife House, this site has 112 mixed units and offers supportive housing for Fife House clients living with HIV/AIDS and frail seniors receiving WoodGreen assisted living services. It also hosts an 11-unit transitional housing program for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and working toward permanent housing.
Offered in partnership with Neighbourhood Link, this program helps people obtain basic identification to access health care, sources of income such as pensions, and other services.
We assist individuals and families to locate and secure safe and affordable housing. We also provide eviction prevention services and shelter referrals.
Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Our programs connect adults with developmental disabilities to financial services, affordable housing, medical care, recreational activities and life skills training.
Services for Children with Developmental Disabilities
This program supports children with developmental disabilities, as well as their families, providing accessible and meaningful opportunities for community participation.
WoodGreen’s registered social workers and staff offer free single session counselling to address issues such as anxiety, depression, anger management and relationship challenges, and discuss strategies for positive change.
We offer clinical and therapeutic counselling, case management and group support services to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use and other challenges. Longer-term services (up to two years) are available, depending on client needs.
In-person, virtual, on the phone
Age 16+ with mental health and/or addiction issues
Comprehensive Care and Integration Specialist (CCIS) Team
Our team of clinical social workers provide a comprehensive approach to care for clients with complex health and psychosocial needs. We work to fill the gaps in care by connecting clients to essential services, coordinating follow-up care, and providing case management and counselling.
