Transitional Housing Provides Stability to Move Forward with Hope

Overcoming homelessness requires a safe and supportive environment where people can rebuild their lives. But they do not have to go through this alone. The Salvation Army in Ontario has 300 beds available nightly in transitional housing units, offering a semi-independent experience that assists people in creating a better life for themselves.

Salvation Army caseworkers work closely with participants to lead them through the transition from homelessness and marginalization to a more stable housing situation. This foundation is built upon the creation of a workable and manageable plan that includes job search assistance and training, life skills training, health and wellness programs and addictions and mental health support. Participants typically spending one year in transitional housing programs.

“We work with individuals to make a plan that addresses the specific needs of the individual by finding ways that best support them. Housing encompasses a series of programs that serves to help people find and maintain sustainable housing,” explains Bradley Harris, Assistant Divisional Social Services Secretary with The Salvation Army in Ontario.

“Success is being able to live either independently, or with supports, but living sustainably in the community without having to return to a shelter.”

As an example, someone looking to overcome homelessness could face a range of issues, including improper housing, a lack of income, or back payment of taxes. To ensure these issues remain under control, a Salvation Army caseworker continues to work with clients even after they have moved on from transitional housing and are living in the community.

“The individual needs to have milestones that they are working toward through a more intensive case management approach. Maybe they are applying to more permanent housing based on the challenges they face, including addiction, mental health, physical health, or age-related issues,” says James Moulton, Executive Director of The Salvation Army’s Hamilton-Halton-Brant Housing and Support Services.

There are no one-size fits all solution, as people need their own personal set of interventions to maximize the chance at a positively changed life full of opportunity.

“The reasons for being homeless are not the same and the supports to maintain housing can also be different from one person to the next. If we can understand the person’s experience, we can better assist them to ensure these issues are addressed to lessen the likelihood that these issues return,” Bradley says.

The Salvation Army provides or assists with thousands of bed nights annually for individuals in supportive housing, as most locations are at 90-95 per cent capacity every night of the year.

Transitional housing programs are available in several Ontario communities, including Thunder Bay, Halton Region, Ottawa, London, Windsor, and Toronto. Through innovative partnerships, The Salvation Army is increasing the number of transitional housing units that offer a safe, supportive, and semi-independent living environment.

The Redwoods Park Communities development, currently being built in Barrie at The Salvation Army Barrie Citadel, will provide supportive housing in 12 fully furnished two-bedroom apartments for families in crisis. The short-term housing units will be operated by The Salvation Army, and common spaces in the building include a great room, commercial kitchen, and large stone fireplace. Redwood Park is a place where people can rebuild their lives and make the transition from homelessness and marginalization to stable housing with meaningful community engagement.

“Whether it is through the case work we do or the relationships that we build, the goal is to work more closely with people to give them the tools and supports to create a livable and positive environment in which to thrive,” Bradley says.