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Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO)

Nov 24, 2023

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 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • 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
    • Meaford
    • Owen Sound