Supported Housing

Mission Statement

"To provide safe, affordable and supportive housing to person’s living with a mental illness. These housing options should be situated throughout communities so that individuals may reside in the neighborhood of their choice."

Philosophy

Adequate shelter is a basic need and a fundamental human right. There is a critical shortage of affordable housing units for persons with a mental illness. By providing various housing alternatives, MPA Society supports individuals in their communities while they continue their journey towards recovery from mental illness.

Programming

MPA started to offer housing alternatives in the early 1970’s with their first member owned, communal living group home in the Westside, Kitsilano area of Vancouver. Currently MPA Society provides over 325 units of Supported Housing by offering 11 different programs throughout the Vancouver region and 1 program located in Maple Ridge. These programs provide flexibility in programming to attempt to meet the individual needs of each resident. Staffing levels and support services range from locations with on site staff, which are available 24 hours, to independent living programs with bi-monthly outreach staff contact for tenants who reside in market rental apartments throughout Vancouver.

Available supports include assistance with:

• Life skills training, cooking, budgeting and finances, home management
• Financial subsidies
• Social and peer support
• Vocational training/access to volunteer programs
• Recreation, health and fitness
• Advocacy and legal services
• Referrals for mental health and addictions treatment and information
• Illness and symptom management
• Medication information and support
• Public transportation
• Community resources and supports

Goals

In conjunction with other mental health supports, the ultimate goals in supported housing is to provide a safe and secure home while empowering the individual to maintain as high a level of independence as possible. It is imperative that these housing options are present in all neighborhoods so that individuals can retain existing connections with their family, friends, and other mental health support networks.