Navigating the Housing Maze at CAMH

CAMH Connexions

Spring 2006

Toronto Mayor David Miller opening CAMH’s Navigating the Housing Maze forum.

On March 24, the Workman Theatre at CAMH’s Queen Street site was at capacity to hear Toronto Mayor David Miller introduce Navigating the Housing Maze – a housing forum held to provide CAMH clinicians, clients, families, housing providers and those in the community with information about the housing options available in Toronto.

“Sometimes the housing system in Toronto can be confusing for our clients and others,” said CAMH manager Melonie Hopkins. “It is difficult to know what programs are available and, more importantly, it is hard to determine the one that is most suited to a person’s individual needs. At CAMH we recognize that housing is a key determinant of health. The importance to an individual’s recovery of having a place to call home cannot be overstated.”

Of those living on the streets, it is estimated that approximately 30 per cent have a mental illness, and a recent task force suggested that close to 75 per cent of homeless women have problems with mental health. It is extremely difficult for those living on the streets to seek and maintain regular medical and psychiatric care if they are spending much of their time trying to find food and shelter.

That is why it is critical for organizations like ours to work in partnership with those seeking to resolve and demystify housing issues. “Much can be done when people come together to share their ideas and strategies for change. Events – like this forum – provide that opportunity,” said CAMH CEO and President Dr. Paul Garfinkel in his opening remarks. “We are fortunate to have caring community partners and others who are working with us to build healthy communities in a healthy city.”

One of those partners is the City of Toronto, and the Mayor in his introductory remarks reinforced the need to continue to work together. “These partnerships are helping to identify and break down the barriers to services for the homeless and people who are at risk in our community. But regardless of the barriers, we must confront one fundamental truth: We must make it much simpler to both find and keep a home in our city. No person – regardless of their circumstances – should be without a decent place to live in a city as diverse and resourceful as Toronto.”

The issues and challenges facing those seeking housing in Toronto were highlighted during the panel discussion. Panel members brought different perspectives, with one of the highlights coming from Phil Hozer of the Toronto Homeless Speakers Bureau. He described his own personal experience of what it means to be without housing in Toronto. Other panellists included: Jim Nason, Loft Community Services; Bridgette Witkowski, Mainstay Housing; David Reycraft, Dixon Neighbourhood Homes; and Gladys Cheung, Hong Fook Mental Health Association. The moderator was Consultant David Reville.

The morning wrapped up with a Housing Fair at which over 30 housing providers and service agencies set up displays and were on hand to talk about their services. “We were overwhelmed by the positive response to the Housing Fair,” said Melonie. “Those attending and participating appreciated having all the information in one place and the opportunity to speak directly with clients about their services.”

For Sean Goetz-Gadon from the Affordable Housing Office at the City of Toronto, “This Housing Forum was invaluable in connecting members of the mental health community with agencies and public officials. The Forum has kept the issues related to affordable housing on the public agenda. Due to the networking opportunities at the Forum some persons actually received the supports needed to move into permanent housing.”

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