Supportive Housing Programs

Niagara Region funds services to support the housing needs of individuals and families in the community.

Eligibility

Eligibility for all supportive housing programs is drawn from a list of all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Niagara and is guided by a predetermined list of priorities. Learn about our coordinated access approach.

Programs

  • Transitional housing

    Transitional housing programs are longer-term, service-intensive and more private than emergency shelters. Stays in these programs are typically between three and 18 months, depending on the population being served.

    The program is meant to provide a supportive environment where residents can:

    • Begin to address the issues that led to homelessness or kept them homeless
    • Develop necessary skills to keep housing
    • Rebuild their support networks

    Transitional housing programs focus on priority populations, including:

    • Youth ages 16 to 24
    • Individuals leaving correctional facilities
    • Those fleeing intimate partner violence
    • Newcomers to Canada

    Transition housing programs funded by Niagara Region are:

  • Housing First

    Housing First is a proven recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness.

    The program focuses on moving individuals experiencing chronic homelessness into independent and permanent housing. Using a strengths-based approach, individuals work weekly on:

    • Goal setting
    • System navigation
    • Connection to community supports to get and keep stable housing

    The program is designed for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness with moderate needs, but who can live independently with time-limited support from an intensive case manager.

    Funded programs

  • Home for Good

    The Home for Good program follows the Housing First philosophy and applies many of the same principles. It's designed to help individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with complex needs to find and keep their own housing.

    With support from an intensive case manager, individuals get help with setting goals and navigating the system. They can also get help with other challenges, such as mental health and substance use.

    As per the province's Home for Good priority areas, the program prioritizes:

    • Chronic homelessness
    • Youth homelessness (aged 16-24 years)
    • Indigenous homelessness

    Funded programs

  • Permanent supportive housing

    Permanent supportive housing provides a safer, permanent housing option with individualized supports for residents in a community building.

    The program features direct case management and onsite supports, and is designed for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with complex needs related to:

    • Mental or physical health
    • Substance use
    • Developmental disabilities

    The lead agency is Good Shepherd.

  • Bridge Housing

    Bridge housing is a progressive short-term housing program. Staff work to address an individual's needs by acknowledging their trauma, addressing barriers and then connecting them to supports needed to get housing.

    The program connects individuals to their community and provides a supportive foundation that can lead to continuous successful permanent housing.

    The program is designed for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness with complex needs, but who can live independently.

    Bridge Housing programs include:

    • Wayne Campbell Bridge Housing, Niagara Falls
    • Bridge Housing, St. Catharines (opening in 2025)

Housing and homelessness resources

For a list of housing and homelessness resources available in Niagara, call 211 or visit 211 Ontario.

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