Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO)

CHO is a voluntary supportive housing program for people with serious mental illness. The program is intended to assist people by providing appropriate housing and support services to achieve and maintain stability in a home that is safe and affordable. The program takes a recovery approach and provides access to support services both in the CHO home and in the community.  

CHO provides housing, meals, and 24-hour supportive care services in a home setting for people with serious mental illness. Homes that are now part of the CHO program were once a part of the Homes for Special Care (HSC) program. 

Goals & Objectives: 

• To provide person-centered, recovery-based supportive housing for individuals living with serious mental illness 
• To support individuals in maintaining stable housing that is safe and affordable 
• To support individuals to improve and or stabilize their physical and mental health, foster independence and promote integration into their community 

Is This Program for Me? 

• You are over 18 years old  
• You are living with a serious mental illness  
• You are able to live with others in shared spaces which may include a shared bedroom 
• You are willing to participate in program activities  
• You are willing to work with a Community Homes for Opportunity worker  
• You are willing to complete annual income verification paperwork  

What We Offer: 

• Support is offered 24/7 by the homeowner and their staff 
• Mental health support is offered through the Community Homes for Opportunity program Monday – Friday from 830-430  
• 1:1 and group support in the home and in the community 
• Support in learning/enhancing basic life skills, activities of daily living and interpersonal skills 
• Support with medication and symptom management  
• Support to identify and work towards recovery goals  
• Referral to other community resources  

How Do I Get Connected? 

Referrals can be made by calling our Central Intake Team at 519-371-3642 ext. 3212. This team is available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.    

Is There a Cost for This Program? 

There is a cost for rent that includes meals.  CHO housing is rent geared to income and requires that you complete annual income verification paperwork. Clients must have a source of income which might include employment or social services support (Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program) and/or be eligible for rent support. 

Is There a Waitlist for This Program? 

• Yes, the length of time to be admitted to the program varies based on the number of referrals  
• You will be required to ensure that your referral information is current which requires updating us when something changes. 
• You will be notified of updates and status through your preferred method of contact. 

Locations:  

• Hanover, Ontario 
• Meaford, Ontario 
• Owen Sound, Ontario