Housing & Housing Development

Modular Supportive Housing

Necessity is the mother of all invention

Constructed as part of Toronto's HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, the 100 units of modular supportive housing on Macey Ave. and Dovercourt Rd. help people successfully transition from homelessness to supportive housing. Together, Cota Health and The Neighbourhood Group provide 24-hour holistic, on-site support, including harm reduction, crisis counselling, financial trusteeship, and referrals for health care, income support and employment opportunities.

Megan knows just how far that support can go.

"Hi, my name is Megan and I am a single 37-year-old female. I have been addicted to drugs on and off for over 15 years, 10 years of which being opioid abuse. I have been through detox treatment, and got onto suboxone. I have self-medicated a lot. Once overcoming opioids, I moved on to cocaine and found myself lost. I have had a lot of trauma and abuse in my past relationships. I have depression and anxiety as well.

I had applied for housing through Access Point at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Seven years later, at a very low point in my life with nowhere to turn, I got a call from my Toronto Community Addiction Team worker with the opportunity to come live in The Neighbourhood Group’s modular housing. I was quite scared to move here because it was something new and different. In my past I’ve had a history of being sober and clean, but since moving here, I’ve been able to be clean and keep up with my sobriety. I’m starting a new chapter in my life being able to rebuild relationships with family and friends, and beginning the healing I need.

Having the stability of a roof over my head has saved me, and I’ve come to realize that I am in a safe space where it helps me think of the things I would like to do. While living in modular housing, I have blossomed and been able to set some goals for myself which include, living fully independently, finding a good job and being a good daughter, wife and person altogether. With the support of the staff and everyone being so welcoming and giving me so much help, respect and no judgement, I have the opportunity to be able to give back to my community, remain sober, take part in The Neighbourhood Group’s Peer Program, and just continue to keep my life on track.

It’s amazing to see all of the hard work the staff have done to make everyone in this building feel so welcome, and the opportunities that they have given all of us to have another chance at changing our lives for the better. I’m very thankful for the opportunity I have here and I’m very grateful for the chance to change my life. I couldn’t have done it without all the beautiful people within The Neighbourhood Group. I am able to have the right mindset and with all the support of my team, I know I will be successful in having what I want for myself."

Balcony Bingo

B-11…N-19…O-56…Bingo!

The fear and anxiety of contracting COVID-19 places an extra burden on our mental health during the pandemic. For seniors like Carol, the isolation is yet another weight.

"Before the pandemic I was very active in our building, participating in many of the programs offered. When everything shut down, I was lonely and felt very isolated. It was so quiet in the halls and the recreation room was empty and dark. It was a very weird feeling.”

To alleviate the distress, our Seniors’ Programs team introduced Balcony Bingo and balcony concerts at our 11 Coatsworth supportive housing building. Weekly games were run on both sides of the building so everyone had a chance to join the fun and win prizes. The joy was felt by residents and staff alike!

But Balcony Bingo was more than just an entertaining way to spend the afternoon: It was a gateway to connect with residents who were isolated and lonely. It also allowed staff to provide help with other issues. For Carol, no extra incentive was needed.

“When the Balcony Bingo started, it was so nice to have something to look forward to. Everyone would come onto their balconies and say hello and the staff were waving and saying good afternoon to everyone. There was energy and life again in the building! It was a lot of fun and really helped with keeping me social and connected to the people I missed so much."