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Housing First is an approach that focuses on moving people who are chronically and episodically homeless as rapidly as possible from the street or emergency shelters into permanent housing with supports that vary according to participant need. The supports are provided by a Housing First Case Manager, who serves as a main point of contact for the participant from assessment to follow-up and who is provided backed up support by a Housing First Supervisor, Housing First Specialist and a community of practice.
Housing First is usually based on 5 core principles:
Immediate access to permanent housing with no housing readiness requirements
Consumer choice and self-determination
Individual, recovery-oriented, and client driven supports
Harm Reduction
Social and community integration
Housing First requires a community of practice and specific program guidelines that reflect the geographical area of focus of the program. In the links following are resources specific to community partners across Simcoe County, as well as the Simcoe County Regional Housing First Program’s vision, principles and program operation.
Yes, even though you are part of the Housing First Program, you would be entering into a standard lease with the landlord of the unit. Under the terms of the lease, you will be expected to fulfil your responsibilities as a tenant. Responsibilities like paying your rent and being a good neighbor. The case manager can help you learn about your rights and responsibilities so you can be successful in your tenancy.
Yes, a person participating in the program is responsible to pay their rent.
No, the Housing First Program does not have apartments or housing to rent to people.
Are you currently homeless and:
Or
Are you interested in finding and maintaining a home?
Are you interested in receiving a lot of support from a support worker?
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough room in the program for everyone that wants to participate. So, when people are referred to the program, those people who are most in need of support get assigned a case manager first. The program also asks that participants actively participate in the program.
If you decide to participate in the program, you would be expected to:
Some of the support you can get if you are part of the program is:
A rent subsidy may be available to you if assistance is needed to make sure your rent is paid in full and if funding is available.