CMHA Grey Bruce (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce is expanding its support services for those in transitional housing in Owen Sound.
CEO Stephen Musehl says with the recently announced annual funding of over $853,000 from Ontario Health, the CMHA is expanding its mental health and addition supports at the 14th Street Transitional Supportive Housing site to be available 24-7.
“The program is for people at risk of homelessness or living in homelessness right now and provides many different supports from life enrichment skills, case management, peer support, primary care, addiction counseling, support replacing and obtaining ID, and lots of other community support programs to really help them get off the street, get into a safe housing unit, have some food, water, bathroom, shelter,” says Musehl.
He says while the CMHA has been providing support to those at the transitional housing site, this funding will ensure they can be more available.
The transitional housing site at 386 14th Street in Owen Sound was purchased and renovated by Grey County in 2022 and includes 12 apartment units for those in need. Musehl says these apartment units are always at capacity.
“It’s not permanent housing, so they can stay 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, some people will stay up to close to a year,” says Musehl.
He says the annual funding from Ontario Health will support staffing as well as other administrative needs.
“Housing has become such a huge issue across not only Grey Bruce, but Ontario and Canada. There is more and more homelessness and high at risk people becoming homeless, so this is a program that supports people that maybe aren’t ready for permanent housing solutions yet, but are committed to get there,” says Musehl.
He adds they are looking for more people to join their team to support the expanded services.