Breaking Ground: Peer Support for Congregate Living Settings
In 2010, Habitat Services led a community based research project entitled Breaking Ground: Peer Support for Congregate Living Settings which was funded by the Wellesley Institute (WI). In partnership with the Ontario Council of Alternative Businesses (Now called Working for Change) as well as the Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC), Habitat Services conducted community based research to consider the support needs of tenants and the employment of consumer/survivors/peers in a housing support role. The research included interviews with current and former Habitat tenants, Peer Support Workers at various agencies and agency representatives managing Peer Support Programs. The research findings were made available to the broader community and were used to prepare for the new housing model (Edmond Place) operated by PARC and funded by Habitat Services. Edmond Place opened its doors in January 2011 with a unique spin on the traditional boarding home model allowing tenants to have more flexibility and independence in their living arrangements. Edmond Place operates with a peer-staff driven model and offers employment opportunities to tenants living there. Habitat Services also provides monitoring services and housing support to the tenants at Edmond Place.
To read Breaking Ground: Peer Support for Congregate Living Settings, click here to download thefull report.
