Q3 2023-24 Success Story
Agency: Closer to Home Community Services
Please note: Names and identifying information have been changed to protect anonymity.
Before entering Norris House, the M family had an extensive history of homelessness and frequented hotels, homeless shelters, and utilized friends to couch surf. They had accessed several different housing programs in the past, but were unsuccessful in obtaining housing for their family.
At the time of referral, this family was staying at Awo Taan shelter. This family moved into their home at Norris House in June of 2023. Over the course of their time at Norris House this family made substantial gains in developing new skills, establishing a relationship with their new landlord, HomeSpace, and making connections in their new community.
Mom set goals for herself and her family, which included creating and utilizing a budget, increasing her connection to resources, and obtaining a family physician. Although her partner was minimally engaged with the program, mom diligently worked towards her goals, meeting regularly with Housing Support Worker (case manager), and attending every workshop which was offered at the on-site Family Resource Center (FRC).
During their time at Norris House, the family also struggled to manage the behaviours of their 3 sons with behavioural needs – at times, the severity of the boys’ behaviours even threatened the stability of the family’s housing at Norris House. Norris House was able to support the family with wrap-around services to help them manage these behaviours, including a referral to Closer to Home’s Intensive In Home Support Program – Family Matters. Mom also accessed extensive cultural support services at the FRC, furthering her understanding of her Indigenous heritage, and making many traditional crafts, including beaded earrings, and a Ribbon Skirt!
As the family prepared to move out of Norris House, dad successfully gained employment as a mover to supplement the household income. Mom was also able to successfully utilize the communication and tenancy skills that she learned during her time in the program, to reach out to market landlords and attend viewings independently. Mom then completed a housing application with the support of her Housing Support Worker and was accepted into a market rental in their desired neighborhood!
Further, we are pleased to report that this family has remained successfully housed in the community, after being discharged from the Norris House program, for more than 2 months!
