Wesley’s Supportive Housing (SH) program may be one of the smaller initiatives in the Hamilton area, but its impact is profound as it provides long-term care to individuals with unique and diverse needs who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. As a program supervisor, Isaac proudly speaks to the work of his team that is consistently intensive, essential, and unique in its approach. “I remember when I started at the program, I thought ‘oh, we must be one of many services in the area that are doing similar things.’ And the more I talk to people, especially hospital social workers who are trying to place people somewhere that fits their needs, the more I realize there not many programs that do what Wesley does to cater to the needs of some of our community members.”
The Supportive Housing Program focuses on individuals with dual diagnoses—those experiencing both an intellectual delay and a mental health condition such as schizophrenia. Many clients do not fit in with traditional mental healthcare programs due to mild developmental delays and physical challenges that are not typically addressed in that environment. This diversity requires highly individualized care to ensure the best outcomes for clients. “We tailor our approach to each client’s needs, which allows us to offer a lot of flexibility,” Isaac says. “For example, we regularly review how much supervision each client requires and adjust our approach based on their progress and comfort level.”
In addition to diversity in their needs and diagnoses, SH clients have typically faced a range of housing situations and have been in and out of hospitals, sometimes for long periods. These experiences can be traumatic, and finding a dependable, safe place to land is important for clients and their families. “We provide a middle ground between the clinical environment of a hospital and more independent housing that might not be an option for clients,” explains Isaac.
The program operates in collaboration with other organizations to offer comprehensive support. This includes YWCA Hamilton, which manages three units within the program, while Wesley handles the remaining seven. The partnership means Wesley staff and YWCA staff work closely together to support clients, creating a cohesive and supportive environment. All referrals to the Supportive Housing program come from St. Joseph’s Hospital, which helps ensure that our clients are those who need this specific type of support.
Having worked at Wesley for over three and a half years, Isaac’s background in psychology and recreation therapy has been invaluable. His special interest in the connection between physical, mental, and emotional health fits in well as the team works hard to help build balanced, healthy lives for clients. The Supportive Housing program feels like a natural fit for Isaac, especially considering his previous school placement at West Fifth Hospital – where many clients are referred from. “It’s remarkable how connected everything is in Hamilton,” he says. “You see the links between various services and organizations, which enriches the support we can offer.”
According to Isaac, one of the most rewarding parts of this job is seeing the sometimes small, but always significant progress made by clients. Often, clients arrive in a state of crisis, which is worked through patiently and positively. Once they are safely housed, appropriately medicated, and have their basic needs met, care can focus on opportunities to enrich clients’ daily lives and make sure they’re happy. From enjoying outdoor activities like throwing a football in the courtyard to participating in cooking programs, these achievements are meaningful. “It’s amazing to see clients taking pride in their accomplishments, no matter how small.”
The program’s approach emphasizes giving clients as much autonomy as possible, holding a strong belief in empowering them to make their own choices rather than doing things for them. Fostering this autonomy by taking the time to address unique needs builds trust, respect, empowerment, dignity, and strong relationships that lead to better outcomes for clients and staff alike. For Isaac, this philosophy extends to how staff are supported as well. On the administrative side of his role, he focuses on creating efficient processes that help with the workload and reduce burnout. “Efficiency is really important to me.” says Isaac, “we’re a nonprofit, so we have limited resources and it’s very important to use them appropriately. In our program we are very open to changing, growing, and developing in a positive way, responding to society and the environment around us. I think this adaptive attitude towards our work spreads throughout Wesley.”
For Isaac and his colleagues, working at Wesley’s Supportive Housing is about continuous curiosity and motivation to learn and adapt to every situation. Whether dealing with quieter times or busier periods, the commitment to providing individualized care and supporting clients remains strong. “The little things we achieve with our clients make a big difference,” Isaac concludes. “Seeing them regain control of their lives and build new routines is what motivates me every day.”
Looking ahead, one hope for the program would be operating in a house. More space and a dedicated environment could better meet clients’ needs and give them space to spread out and try new activities. “A house setting could provide a more comfortable and supportive environment for our clients,” says Isaac.
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