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
Location: 650 Queen St. E , Toronto, ON
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
How you can support
Every gift makes a lasting difference in our community
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
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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 accept and process applications for our WoodGreen Housing Buildings. We also manage and update our housing waitlist for those interested in WoodGreen Housing.
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.