This is the sixth in a series of columns written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column will appear every other Monday. (Click here to read the first column. Click here to read the second column. Click here to read the third column. Click here to read the fourth column. Click here to read the fifth column.)
Meet a beacon of hope who braved a three-decade struggle with alcohol addiction, numerous stints in rehab, periods of chronic homelessness, and intermittent encounters with the law, before finding a new beginning at The Lighthouse's Supportive Housing. Jessie’s (not the participant's real name) life teetered on the precipice, his liver crippled by alcohol's relentless onslaught, but he was about to take a turn for the better.
The dedicated Lighthouse staff swiftly connected him to resources that tended to his fundamental needs. Another trip to the hospital, another detox, and a spark ignited — the beginning of his return to self-sufficiency.
Soon, he was tying his shoes, cooking his meals, and taking newfound pride in his appearance. Relationships were rekindled — he saw his children again, and reconnected with his family.
Leaving Supportive Housing, he made a brief stop at the shelter, but the transformation had taken root. With continued assistance from the Supportive Housing staff, he transitioned into long-term care. Today, Jessie flourishes in a program in Orillia, surrounded by the supportive infrastructure he needs. This is success.
Every success story we have the honour of being part of at Supportive Housing is unique, but our commitment to a person-centered approach is consistent. The Lighthouse’s work is not just about offering emergency shelter or supportive housing, but about nurturing resilience and self-sufficiency.
Located at 75 Queen St E, The Lighthouse’s Supportive Housing has been a lifeline for many since its opening in August of 2021.
To date, 36 people have accessed the program, with 19 currently staying at Supportive Housing. We offer private, 400-square-foot, bachelor-style apartments, complete with a kitchen, a double bed, a washroom, and a table and chair. Our staff are on hand 24/7, ensuring participants are never without support.
Entry into our program is through Coordinated Access by the County of Simcoe through calling 211. Once a unit becomes available, we receive a list of individuals and conduct interviews to find our new participant. We then work closely with each participant to help them set, pursue, and achieve their own self-determined goals — all in an effort to bolster their chances of future independent housing stability.
Our approach is grounded in the housing first philosophy. We believe in providing a secure home first, then surrounding the individual with support for mental and physical health, substance abuse, education/employment, and community connection.
Participants pay a program fee that is capped at 30 per cent of their income. With the program fee, participants receive an individual unit as well as essential skill development sessions, covering areas like relationship management, budgeting, and anger management.
In 2022 alone, we held 148 program sessions. We also organize activities to promote social interaction and communication, and facilitate connections with many organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and The Sharing Place.
Like Jessie, every participant’s journey is unique. Individuals are able to stay up to four years, yet most find their footing much sooner. We serve as a stepping stone, helping them gain the skills and confidence needed for a stable life in permanent housing.
Whatever the duration, we are here to guide and support them in their journey towards a better life.
