Financing of Dianova’s Supportive Housing Project in Canada

Major repairs at Dianova's Adam rooming house, in Montreal (Canada)

 

Since 2008, Dianova Canada has endeavored to address the housing needs of those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Dianova’s program has two primary objectives: to provide safe, secure, permanent and affordable lodgings to economically disadvantaged individuals who would otherwise have difficulty finding decent living accommodations; and to help these people overcome their problems and to accompany them toward successful reintegration through community support services.

Dianova opened in 2008 a single-room occupancy residence downtown Montreal. Saint-André rooming house has 20 fully-equipped, individual rooms and two additional rooms for community services. At the end of 2012, the organization acquired a second rooming house in order to extend the program to Hochelaga, one of Montreal’s popular neighborhoods.   After a full year’s renovation works, the Adam rooming house is scheduled to open in spring 2014, with a 21-person capacity.

On February 11, Dianova’s rooming house project on Adam street was granted an amount of 40,000 dollars per year by Montreal’s Health & Social Services Agency. This financing will allow for the recruitment of a counselor who will be in charge of providing the tenants with assistance in their administrative steps and ensuring additional services, including the resolution of conflicts and the organization of activities aimed at preventing isolation.

Supportive housing is a combination of housing and social and community services intended as a cost-effective way to help individuals and families live more stable, productive lives. Supportive housing is believed to be an adequate response to the complex challenges faced by those confronted with homelessness and who also have low incomes and serious or persistent issues that may include addiction, mental illness, HIV/AIDS or any other challenges likely to hinder their integration back in society. The program of Dianova targets primarily those who have completed the organization’s residential drug treatment program, or any other qualified therapeutic program.