By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—True Experience Supportive Housing and Community Program (TE), a Dunnville-based program offering support to adults living with mental illness, was the recipient of $1.7 million in Provincial funding through the Ontario government’s Social Services Relief Fund. The funds are being utilized for the creation of three new 1.5 storey supportive housing facilities on Elizabeth Crescent in Dunnville, supporting up to nine residents at a time.
“This is the type of housing I can get behind,” said Bobbi Ann Brady, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP. “These are the types of outside-the-box creative solutions we need to help vulnerable people in our communities.”
The homes were purchased from Haldimand County and recently renovated by TE, an extensive process that Executive Director Rhonda Geyer called a huge undertaking, with each receiving a new roof, windows, doors, HVAC systems, and additions, along with extensive repairs. The homes were also fully furnished as part of the process and are now ready for occupancy.
The sale of the homes was facilitated through a partnership between TE and Haldimand Norfolk Housing Committee (HNHC). Matt Bowen, HNHC CEO, called the funding opportunity a great chance to capitalize on the purchase of the homes, previously utilized as affordable housing units.
“True Experience has an excellent reputation for providing supportive housing in Dunnville for many years,” said Bowen. “Collectively, the Health and Social Services Division, True Experience, and HNHC worked collaboratively to put forth a proposal to the Ministry that met program funding goals and objectives.”
Individuals only need to “bring personal clothing and hygiene items,” said Geyer, who mentioned that each house can hold three individuals who will live independently in the homes, with support staff conducting regular house checks and assisting residents based on individual needs.
While TE required additional funding to make the purchase of the homes a reality, they plan for the homes to be self-sustaining. Geyer noted, “Our co-living homes are based on an affordable living model and are self-sustaining, inclusive of utilities and associated expenses.”
On a whole, however, TE is still feeling funding pressures: “Unfortunately our organization, like many others, struggles to meet demands and are grossly underfunded. We continue to advocate and collaborate with our government to increase funding for those living with mental health challenges in our rural community.”
Geyer shared a glimpse into how this funding ultimately helps support the inhabitants, noting, “We offer those individuals at risk a safe place to call home in a clean and sober living environment…. Our homes are the step between supportive housing and independent living. Residents share a home with three individuals, have access to support staff, and can utilize appropriate programming. True Experience prides ourselves on our ‘three prong holistic approach’ providing housing, recreation, and employment.”
Bowen touched on how the funding benefits not just TE, but the County’s own affordable housing targets, adding, “HNHC received just over $1.2 million of the funding for the sale of the homes. Those funds are held in a reserve savings account and were directed by Council to be used towards the development of new affordable housing in Haldimand County, or as otherwise approved by Haldimand Council.”
The sales were part of HNHC’s “robust Asset Management Plan and Master Regeneration Strategy” that was presented and received by the previous term of Council.
The remaining funds are TE’s to use toward their expenses. Geyer said the funding came at a crucial time: “The need for housing in our community is at a critical all-time high. Affordable housing is such a challenge, and we greatly appreciate this opportunity to help those at risk.”
Those interested in a spot in the homes must adhere to TE’s guidelines, including clean and sober living, and as the homes are specific to at-risk single individuals, they are not suitable for families.
Bowen called the successful partnership behind the project a “great benefit and outcome to the community…. True Experience plays a vital role in Dunnville providing a range of services, so more housing to facilitate their great work is a solid outcome.… A need for supportive and affordable housing very much exists, perhaps more now than ever.”
Bowen said that many individuals in the community suffer in silence, fearful of judgement and the stigma associated with having a mental illness, adding, “Public Awareness has grown and many organizations like True Experience are responding as best they can; however, I believe more program dollars and more housing is needed to fully address the issues.”
He elaborated, “The cost of housing is just simply not attainable or affordable and seems to be out of reach for many. We see this in the growing waitlist for people applying for housing not just in Haldimand but across the province.”
He said that while this new funding is reason to celebrate, it will take more than just the government to solve the housing crisis: “Where HNHC can intervene, build capacity, and facilitate innovative partnerships that integrate and coordinate services while taking full advantage of Provincial and Federal funds to offset municipal taxpayer pressures, we will, because we recognize all citizens are struggling with affordability in their lives, not just housing.”
Both Bowen and Geyer thanked the government for the boost. Bowen stated, “We’re extremely appreciative to have had the opportunity to partner with True Experience, our Service Manager, and the Ministry, and as well, I’d like to thank Associate Deputy Minister Parsa for their support.”
Geyer added, “True Experience would like to express its gratitude to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Haldimand/Norfolk Housing Corporation for their support in making this housing opportunity a reality in our community.”
The homes are currently operational and those interested can access TE’s website at trueexperience.ca or call them directly with inquiries on the application process at 905-774-6165.
