Community Knowledge Centre - Toronto Community Foundation

About this organization

Mission

The Mission of Regeneration Housing and Support Services (RHSS) is to promote the self-determination and enhance the quality of life of people living with complex mental health issues, including addictions, through housing, support, and advocacy.

 We Value and Believe in :

• The fundamental rights and dignity of the individual.
• Creating, respecting and promoting an environment that reflects the diversity of the broader community.
• Promoting member self-reliance and self determination.
• Fostering a supportive community environment through continuity in housing and services in partnership with members.
• Member empowerment and involvement in the development and operation of programs at all levels of RHSS.
• Advocating the removal of individual and systemic barriers that impede successful and satisfactory community living for our members.

RHSS refers to the people we serve as members, not clients.  We strive to include members at all levels of the organization, from including member representatives on our board to hiring members as staff.

History of Organization

Regeneration House Inc., operating as Regeneration Housing & Support Services (RHSS), is a non profit registered charitable organization established in 1977 to provide affordable housing and support services for adults with serious mental health issues.

We now provide RHSS housing support for 138 tenant members recovering from mental health and addiction issues. RHSS also provides case management support for some members living in Mainstay housing, and we provide intensive case management services for another 50 members who live in a variety of housing in the city of Toronto through our partnerships with CAMH and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Accolades and Accomplishments

In recent years we have significantly expanded our stock of supportive housing using existing staff and budget resources. Our housing includes: 35 units of shared living in the west end, 50 high support units, 17 new units of supportive housing in the Parkdale neighbourhood, 5 new units of supportive housing in the Gerrard and Greenwood area in partnership with Toronto Community Housing, and 6 new units of independent housing in the Weston Road and Eglington area. We are committed to increasing quality housing options for individuals needing support for their mental health and /or addictions issues.

Programs

>“Steam Team” cleaning service

Fundraising activities have allowed us to compliment our core services of housing and case management support by providing supportive employment opportunities for members who want to work 1) in our office reception 2) with odd jobs in our housing 3) in our greening project ”the Garden Gang” 4) with our “Steam Team” cleaning service. We have hired two consumer survivors as peer support workers.

RHSS provides bursary money for members to pursue education or artistic interests by helping out with tuition, supplies and books. We arrange outings and social recreational events. Our Rainy Day fund covers unexpected expenses for those living near the poverty line. We provide things like TTC tokens for members to travel to programs when funds are tight, help out with winter or summer clothing, help pay for dentures or specialty shoes if they are not covered and bus tickets to visit a family member out of town.

“Steam Team” cleaning service

The Steam Team is a cleaning and organising service in preparation for spraying for bed bug infestations. The team coordinator has evolved from a peer support position. He now trains and supports members who are keen to gain employment experience. The customer is often someone living with a disability and living close to the poverty line themselves. The infestation can be overwhelming and pervasive. The Team will do laundry and seal it in clean plastic bags, help the tenant sort and remove garbage or unwanted items, they steam upholstery, rugs and bedding to kill eggs and educate against re infestation. This provides the best success for the eradication of pests.

Funding and Program Partners

At this time the program is mostly funded by RHSS fundraising activities and fees for the service provided by customers. Those receiving Ontario disability benefits are sometimes able to access money to help them cope with this spreading problem. Customers are charged a modest hourly rate that does not cover all of the expenses incurred by the Steam Team.

Program Impact

Since 2008, twenty RHSS members have been recruited to do this demanding job. Our peer coordinator previews the job sites, provides directions and training as well as support and guidance throughout each job. We are expanding at a steady pace.

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

"Torontonians report good mental health and satisfaction with life, but a significant number experience high levels of stress. One quarter (25.5%) are sometimes or often limited from participation in activities by disability or illness."

(Toronto’s Vital Signs®, 2009)

Participant Vignette

“Working makes you feel proud of yourself”. ‘Leanne’ is a woman in her forties who has not been able to work in a competitive work environment for many years but still had the desire to contribute. The flexible part time hours and the support provided allow her to work and build confidence.

“I get up in the morning now because of the Steam Team. I used to get up in the afternoon”. ’Reanne’ enjoys having something to look forward to and she enjoys having some money for extras like movies. Having a job can help improve self esteem and fight depression. The flexible hours allow her to take time off during more difficult times.

“I’m thinking that maybe now I can buy a car”. ‘Kent’ is a young man that is starting to believe that recovery is possible and the future is positive. Hope is the most potent healer. Skills learned at the Steam Team provide a spring board to a more competitive environment for those who are ready.