CMHA Ottawa housing program making a difference

As a proponent of a “housing first” approach, CMHA Ottawa has a long history of providing support to help chronically homeless people find a safe place to live in order to aid in their recovery of mental health issues.

Mathieu Coderre spoke to CTV News about his experience in the CMHA Ottawa Housing First program.

The branch’s housing first approach offers people with mental health conditions stable, affordable housing, without any other preconditions imposed.

Housing first is a practice that shows promising results in reducing high use of hospital care. When people have appropriate, affordable housing, they are more likely to seek and receive other types of supports that can enhance their quality of life.

An effective example of our housing first approach was featured on the Jan. 23 edition of the CTV national news.

The story explained how CMHA Ottawa client Mathieu Coderre has made substantial life changes after moving into affordable community housing and getting off the street.