DiverseCity Housing and Diversion Program

DiverseCity Housing Program helps people with concurrent disorders; health issues, criminal justice involvement, and homelessness turn their lives around by providing them with a home and support. It is based on the philosophy that recovery from mental illness and addiction is possible, that people are competent and can make informed decisions about their housing and treatment, and that housing is a fundamental human right. In alignment with the Housing First philosophy, participation in the program is not contingent on individuals complying with psychiatric treatment or abstaining from substance use. Started in 2010 with a capacity of 48 clients, the program has grown to have a current capacity of housing and providing support to 120 clients from 18 – 65 years of age.

Using a community-based multi-disciplinary mental health team, mental health treatment and supports are provided to people living in market rental units. Participants in the program pay 30% of their income towards their rental costs and agree to meet with an Assertive Community Treatment team member once a week.   Homeward Trust Edmonton provides the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) for the remainder of the clients monthly rent as well as funds for first month’s start-up costs for groceries, household supplies, transit pass, utilities and tenant insurance.  Individuals must be able to live independently and fit the homelessness criteria prior to being housed by Homeward Trust Edmonton.  The homelessness criteria include one year of homelessness or 4 incidents of homelessness in the past 3 years.  Referrals are triaged based on current level of homelessness and risk factors. 

Key activities provided include:

  • Housing and Income Support
  • Daily living skills teaching
  • Support and assistance with personal issues, (finances, relationships, family)
  • Cultural and social connections
  • Coordinated discharges from hospital or correctional facilities
  • On call support and crisis response 7 days a week from 9am-9pm
  • Key system contacts and protocols developed
  • Individualized wrap-around concurrent disordered assessment and treatment, including:
  • Medication and symptom management
  • Motivational interviewing strategies and addiction
  • Wellness Self Management Programming
  • Employment preparation and support
  • Recreation intervention and community integration

The DiverseCity Housing and Diversion program has support of a multidisciplinary team that consists of:

  • Admin staff
  • Nurses
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Social Workers
  • Supportive Employment Specialist
  • Peer support workers
  • Psychiatrists

The DiverseCity Housing and Diversion program offers medical students and psychiatry residents the opportunity to learn about multidisciplinary team working and participate in client centred care for patients with severe and persistent mental illness when they have concurrent disorders, criminal justice involvement, and homelessness issues.