14th Street Transitional Supportive Housing Program receives funding for 24-7 support

Jul 16, 2024

Owen Sound, ON – A new funding commitment from Ontario Health is providing 24-7 comprehensive mental health and addiction supports through Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce at the 14^th Street Transitional Supportive Housing site.

Purchased and renovated by Grey County in 2022, the property at 386 14^th St. in Owen Sound includes 12 apartment units and provides high-acuity transitional housing support for individuals with mental illness and/or substance use issues who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This high-intensity supportive housing model will help individuals transition successfully into stable housing while reducing the reliance on emergency services.

Ontario Health has allocated annualized funding of $853,600 to support a contingent of full-time employees dedicated to offering wraparound mental health and addictions services at the transitional housing facility.

The following supports will be available at this location:

Case Management: Coordination, advocacy, and specialized support towards achieving personal recovery goals that improve mental health and wellbeing.
Life Enrichment: Social, recreational, and educational programming to create community, reduce isolation and enhance life skills.
Peer support: Individual and group support, with courses on living independently and maintaining successful tenancies.
Primary Care Telemedicine Program: Comprehensive health assessments, chronic disease management, medication monitoring, immunization, physical exams and more.
Addiction counselling: Individual counselling for substance use concerns, specialized counselling for concurrent disorders and pregnant or parenting individuals with substance use issues.
ID clinic: Assistance in replacing or obtaining necessary identification documents.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this funding from Ontario Health, which allows us to provide essential 24-7 support to individuals in our community who are struggling with mental health and addiction issues,” said CMHA Grey Bruce CEO Stephen Musehl. “This initiative is a significant step forward in addressing homelessness and providing comprehensive care to those in need.”

“The 14th Street program will make a profound difference in the lives of many individuals,” said CMHA Grey Bruce director of client services Scott McKay. “By offering continuous support and resources, we can help clients transition from crisis to stability, ultimately improving their overall well-being and reducing the strain on emergency services.”

“Grey County is proud to partner with CMHA on this initiative to provide vital supportive housing in Owen Sound,” said Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Services with Grey County. “With stable funding secured from Ontario Health and the support of the CMHA Grey Bruce, these units are operating at their full potential, supporting clients on their journey towards stable housing.”

“Thank you to CMHA Grey-Bruce, Grey County and Ontario Health for supporting the 14^th Street Transitional Housing Program,” said MPP Rick Byers. “This is a very important initiative that will make a big difference in our community.”

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Grey Bruce
At CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services we cultivate hope, resilience, and community for those who live with, and are impacted by, mental illness and/or/addiction. We will create an inclusive community inspiring hope, choice, and wellbeing for all. We are driven by our values of compassion, dignity, inclusivity, integrity, and choice. For more information, visit www.greybruce.cmha.org.