Homelessness Initiative (HIP-2)
Program Description:
The HIP-2 project is the Homelessness Initiative Project Phase 2 operated by Alpha Court Non-Profit Housing, Canadian Mental Health Association and Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario. The goal is to assist individuals to secure safe, high-standard and affordable housing for people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, and who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness in the City of Thunder Bay. In addition to providing subsidized housing, HIP-2 will also provide case management services. The support services to people living in housing, emphasizes choice, skills development, community access and consumer rights. HIP-2 is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Who can access the HIP-2 Project?
The HIP-2 project provides safe and affordable housing to people living in the community of Thunder Bay and are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and a primary diagnosis of a serious mental illness defined according to diagnosis, duration and disability.
The HIP-2 Project can provide the following services:
- Assistance in obtaining and maintaining housing in the community
- Case management services (i.e. life skills training, money and medication management)
- Outreach support services to meet the individual’s needs
- Supportive counselling
- Help to integrate into the community
- Crisis intervention and prevention, where appropriate
- Advocacy
- Referrals to community agencies where appropriate
What type of housing is available?
Housing is available in the form of scattered apartments throughout the City of Thunder Bay. Tenants in the HIP-2 project will be provided rent supplement funds provided by the Ministry of Health. Tenants pay rent according to social assistance shelter allowance guidelines.
Admissions Criteria
- Primary diagnosis is a serious mental illness, defined according to diagnosis, duration and disability
- Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and over the age of 16
- Need for assistance, support and skill teaching in order to live successfully in the community
Exclusion may be deemed necessary due to one or a combination of the following:
- Organic brain syndrome
- Involved in similar case management program
- Unwilling to participate in a rehabilitation plan
- Repetitive history of violent or abusive behaviour
