Waterloo Wellington LHIN and Region of Waterloo partner to expand mental health and addiction housing support

Waterloo Region – Local residents with mental health and addiction challenges, at risk of homelessness or eviction, will benefit from an increase in funding for mental health and addiction housing support. The Waterloo Wellington LHIN and Waterloo Region Housing announced today an additional $306,240 to reduce the risk of homelessness and eviction for some of the most vulnerable residents in the community.

The funding provided by the Waterloo Wellington LHIN will provide individualized mental health services and housing support for 36 people in Kitchener and Cambridge. A specialized team of professionals will be available to deliver addiction counselling, and housing and life skills support.

Last year, Waterloo Region Housing and the Waterloo Wellington LHIN launched this initiative as a pilot program for clients at risk of eviction or homeless. Staffed by two local agencies, Thresholds and House of Friendship, the program is currently supporting 16 individuals. The increase in funding announced today will allow for the expansion of the pilot program to support an additional 20 individuals.

The program is being offered at two Waterloo Region Housing buildings; one located in Kitchener, the other located in Cambridge. An on-site office will provide tenants with easy access to support including connecting them to other services in the community (e.g., health care and legal support). Other residents of the Waterloo Region Housing buildings will have the opportunity to attend weekly meetings which will encourage overall community participation and assist tenants of the buildings with a sense of belonging.

QUOTES

“Anyone experiencing homelessness or eviction is at much greater risk of inequitable health outcomes. This ongoing funding for Waterloo Region Housing will provide housing support and improve the quality of life for individuals with mental health and addiction challenges. When we strengthen our community connections on priority issues, we are better positioned to make decisions that are in the best interests of the community.” – Bruce Lauckner, CEO of the Waterloo Wellington LHIN

“The Region’s Housing Services Division and The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network have partnered to deliver on site supports for mental health and addiction to people who are at risk of losing their home or are already experiencing homelessness. This type of innovative thinking and service integration will help us continue to address some of the growing health needs in our community that were recently identified by Regional Council.” – Ken Seiling, Regional Chair

"For the first time, we have a sustainable approach to serving our tenants. They can receive meaningful support at home.” – Mina-Fayez Bahgat, Manager, Waterloo Region Housing

QUICK FACTS

Over the past decade, the Waterloo Wellington LHIN has worked to significantly improve the quality and availability of local health care. Now, we’re focused on making it easier. Easier for you to be healthy. Easier for you to get the care and support you need. Easier for you and your family to live the healthiest lives possible.

We connect you with care, at home and in the community, and better connect your health system to improve your care experience. As a crown agency of the Government of Ontario, we invest $1.1 billion annually in local health services to improve the health and wellbeing of the almost 800,000 residents we serve across Waterloo Wellington.

LINKS

Learn more about the WWLHIN: www.wwlhin.on.ca  
Learn more about the Region of Waterloo: www.regionofwaterloo.ca 

Media Contacts:
Connie MacDonald
Executive Lead, Patient Experience, Communications & Community Engagement,
Waterloo Wellington LHIN 519-748-2222 ext. 3235
connie.macdonald@lhins.on.ca

Sherry Morley
Communications Coordinator
Community Services, Region of Waterloo
226-750-6972
smorley@regionofwaterloo.ca