Eligibility: Men 55+ who have experienced mental health challenges, substance use, street involvement, or periods of being unhoused or unstably housed
Location: Queen St. E , Toronto, ON
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, or periods of unstable or unhoused living.
In addition to safe, 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.
Program Eligibility
In order to qualify for the First Step to Home program, the following criteria must be met:
Be 55 years of age or over and identify as male
Have a mental health and/or substance use issues (Self‐identified or Diagnosed)
Be street involved, unhoused, and/or have a history of unstable housing
Be interested in transitioning from periods of being unhoused or unstably housed to permanent housing
Be interested in being part of a wrap‐around program with on‐site supports
Selection Criteria
First Step to Home strives to provide equitable access to the program and the care it provides
All applications must be submitted by the application deadline
Applicants will be selected for interview based on consideration of need and current
program capacity. The First Step to Home team strives to balance staff case load and program capacity in order to ensure clients are receiving the right level of care
On-site personal support
24/7 staffing model with a combination of community support workers, social workers and security
Testimonial
In this video, a First Step to Home participant shares their experience with the program
How you can support
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Step 1: Register your application/interview
Individuals interested in applying for this WoodGreen Supportive Housing location must go through the referral processes and waitlists of our partner agencies: Access Point, Canadian Hearing Services (CHS), and Fred Victor.
Step 2: Call for available spots
Once spots are available for this location, our team will notify our referral partners.
Step 3: Review applications
Applications will be reviewed for key requirements by the Housing and Supports Departments, which will assess suitability based on the referral application. Applicants meeting the criteria will be invited to a viewing and interview.
Step 4: Interview & Decision
The applicant and their referring worker will be invited to participate in the interview process if they have expressed interest in the offered unit. Both Housing and Supports will assess the applicant’s needs and suitability. If the applicant is a good fit, WoodGreen will officially send an offer.
Step 5: Lease Signing & Intake
Once the applicant receives a written offer, the housing team will schedule the lease signing. The support team will usually conduct its intake assessment during this time. The applicant will receive an Expectation Agreement with the building activities, rules, and how to access services provided within the program.
Need help?
For additional information or support on participation or completing the application, please contact us through our General Inquiries page.
Program Partners
Referring parties for applicants
Program Partners
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