Resources for navigating the housing maze

CrossCurrents

“Beyond the Key to the Front Door: A Guide to Helping Tenants Keep Their Homes” is a workshop of Mainstay Housing, Toronto’s oldest and largest supportive housing provider. It teaches service providers how they can help clients overcome the challenges of independent living and prevent homelessness. For more information, contact Nancy Sugar at nsugar@mainstayhousing.ca.

Various branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association have supportive housing programs that offer various housing options, with a range of support levels. Local branches of the CMHA can be found on the CMHA national web site at www.cmha.ca.

Housing Guide 2004–2006. This resource published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health lists housing options in the Greater Toronto Area for people with mental health and substance use issues. To order a copy, send an e-mail to marketing@camh.net, or call 1 800 661-1111.

Resources Exist for Networking and Training (RENT) is a network of housing workers funded through the federal Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative. RENT provides training workshops that focus on specific client populations, income supports, landlord/tenant issues, mental health and addiction, immigration and refugee issues and stress management. It also offers networking sessions, practical resources and an online discussion forum. Visit www.housingworkers.ca.