The Supportive Living program provides support services in a safe living environment for those who have difficulty living independently, because of mental illness. Skill development and other services are tailored to the client’s level of need and can include linkage with medical resources, emotional support, teaching skills around personal care, cooking, shopping, budgeting, and more.

Program Details
Support services for those 18 and over are offered in group home, shared living and apartment settings that allow for the benefit of privacy and security, while at the same time encouraging social interaction and group dynamics to reduce isolation. While some clients receive care from the Supportive Living program indefinitely, many learn to live more independently and then transition to other CMHA programs. The program is designed for adult males and females. Priority is given to persons with a clearly defined psychiatric diagnosis, most frequently those challenged by schizophrenia and mood disorders.

Group Home Programs (highest degree of support):

Marguerite House: up to 8 persons residing in a SE home with 24-hour staff support.

Miner House: up to 8 persons residing in a NW duplex with 70 hours per week of staff support.

Hunter House: up to 6 persons residing in a NE home with 35 hours per week of staff support.

Keith House: three residents residing in a NW home with access to support from the Hunter House staff member.

Apartment Programs (highest degree of independence):
All apartment programs have a full time Supportive Living Coordinator on site.
The program offers a mix of two bedroom, one bedroom and bachelor (studio) units – varying across sites.

Horizon West (SW) Apartment accommodation for 16 clients.

Horizon 14 (NW) Apartment accommodation for 27 clients.

Horizon 8 (Downtown) Apartment accommodation for 28 clients.

Bob Ward (SW) Apartment accommodation for 30 clients.

Alice Bissett Place (SE) Apartment accommodation for 38 clients.

Other Programs:

Robert’s House (1 site) – Half Way House
This is a program offered in conjunction with Corrections Services Canada. It is designed for persons who are on parole and who have a mental health diagnosis. 24-hour support and monitoring is provided for up to 10 residents. Referrals are made directly to the program through Calgary District Parole.

Hamilton House – Post Discharge Transition Program
This is a six month program with eight beds, providing intensive 24-hour support to persons who are transitioning from the hospital back into the community and do not meet the criteria for other community supported housing programs. The program is a partnership initiative with the Calgary Health Region, providing access to a full time nurse and a psychiatrist. Referrals are made directly to the program through the inpatient mental health units at Calgary Health Region hospitals.

Summary:
The emphasis of all programs is on providing support while focusing on the strengths of the individual – encouraging their use of personal, family and community based resources to maintain their optimal level of mental health and to maintain or enhance their community living status.

How to access the program:
Referrals should be directed to the Intake Coordinator. For Intake information, click here
Note: There are generally waiting lists for all CMHA housing programs.

Fee:
There is no fee for Intake, or for services provided by the CMHA Supportive Living Co-ordinator. However, the majority of clients have a signed lease agreement with the landlord (Horizon Housing Society) that establishes rental rates and applies subsidies (where appropriate).

For further information on this program call (403) 297-1709 or email: Intake Coordinator