News Release
September 11, 2020

Operators with 81 years of combined experience in providing supportive housing and support services have been named for the first phase of the City of Toronto’s modular housing initiative.

The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) and COTA Health (Cota) are the successful proponents of the Request for Proposal (RFP) to operate the first phase of the City’s modular housing initiative. Together, these two not-for-profit organizations will be operating and providing support services at both at 11 Macey Avenue and 150 Harrison Street for a 35-year term starting this fall.

The Neighbourhood Group, a community-based organization and United Way Anchor organization, helps over 60,000 vulnerable people by delivering programs and services that create opportunities to improve and enhance lives, and help people to live independently and with dignity in the community. With a 100-year+ history serving Toronto neighbourhoods, The Neighbourhood Group has 36 years of experience specializing in owning and operating high-quality affordable and supportive rental housing. They bring a strong property management and housing team dedicated to supporting future residents of the modular buildings.

Cota is an accredited, community-based organization that has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities for more than 45 years. Cota is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness (TAEH) and is committed to the objectives of ending the experience of chronic homelessness in Toronto, in part through the creation of deeply affordable supportive housing alternatives for people in need.

Jointly, TNG and Cota bring the proven expertise and qualifications needed to support the 100 people who will be moving into the City’s modular housing this fall and help to ensure they have the support they need to transition from homelessness to being successfully housed.

The operators will provide 24/7 on-site staffing and will be able to offer the following supports to tenants at each site:

  • Housing stability and eviction prevention
  • Personal recovery relating to mental health and substance use challenges
  • Establishing Personal Crisis Response Plans with each tenant and the offering of situational crisis supports
  • Assistance with medication reminder and safe storage
  • Harm reduction and relapse prevention counselling and supports
  • Support with daily living activities
  • Rent collection and arrears payment plans
  • Connections with community supports and other services such as:
    • Primary care healthcare
    • Volunteer and employment opportunities
    • Income assistance programs including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Public Guardian and Trustee as well as banking services

Quotes:

“Supportive housing combines affordable housing with coordinated services, and can truly make a difference in peoples’ lives. The pandemic has further highlighted the need for supportive housing, and I am very pleased to be working with The Neighbourhood Group and COTA Health to provide this as part of our modular housing initiative. Leveraging the experience of these two organizations will be critical to creating positive housing outcomes for our residents.”
– Mayor John Tory

“Often people experiencing chronic homelessness have more complex challenges and require supports to find and maintain permanent housing. Our goal is to create affordable housing that works for the people who need it most and we know that providing support is part of the equation for many. That is why our HousingTO 2020-203 Action Plan calls for providing support services to 18,000 individuals and families through supportive housing.”
– Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão, (Ward 9 Davenport), Planning and Housing Committee Chair

“I am pleased to welcome TNG and COTA to operate the modular housing sites. I am confident that they are committed to ensuring the success of both our new neighbours and the communities as a whole. The modular housing initiative is an excellent example of how we are activating resources efficiently and investing in key supports that will bring comprehensive solutions to reduce homelessness close to home and across the city.
– Councillor Gary Crawford (Ward 20 Scarborough-Southwest), Budget Committee Chair

“We can make significant progress in reducing homelessness through a greater focus on prevention and diversion from homelessness, an increase in supportive and affordable rental housing, and developing coordinated, accessible, and client-focused services to meet the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness. We are so very pleased to be working with the City of Toronto and COTA Health to help deliver these critical services and affordable housing.”
– Bill Sinclair, CEO, The Neighbourhood Group

“Cota will provide a range of support service to tenants. Our supportive housing staff work collaboratively with tenants, their families, landlords and other service providers, as appropriate, to assist tenants to develop housing support plans and help them to achieve and maintain optimum health, wellness and housing stability.”
– Paul Bruce, Chief Executive Officer, Cota

About the Neighbourhood Group
The Neighbourhood Group, an amalgamation of Central Neighbourhood House (founded in 1911), Neighbourhood Link Support Services (founded in 1975) and St. Stephen’s Community House (founded in 1962), helps over 60,000 vulnerable people at every stage of their lives, promotes independence and dignity, and engages the skills and talents of neighbours to build a vibrant community. With 700 employees, and 2,200 volunteers, The Neighbourhood Group serves some of the city’s most at-risk groups including frail seniors, adults who are ill or disabled, marginalized children, youth and their families, newcomers, refugees, people who are homeless or precariously housed and those searching for employment.

About COTA Health
Cota is an accredited, not-for-profit, community-based organization that has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities for over 45 years. The organization also work collaboratively with funders, partners and other stakeholders, across the provincial health and social service systems, to inspire positive change in the way that services are delivered to individuals living with mental health and cognitive challenges. Cota offers a wide range of services to adults living with serious mental illness, geriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities and dual diagnoses. Services include case management, supportive housing, short-term residential beds, day programs, court and justice related services, two Assertive Housing First Teams and services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations