Permanent Homes

Living independently in the community is a foundation for rehabilitation. The Permanent Housing program offers people with serious mental health issues the opportunity to share a home with two or three co-tenants. Currently, WOTCH operates twenty-three permanent houses in a wide range of locations in the community. WOTCH also operates an 8-bedroom home in Strathroy and four 4-bedroom homes in Exeter.

How it Works

  • Tenants sign individual tenancy agreements
  • Rents are geared to the individual's income
  • Although residency is unsupervised, the tenants do have access to either a WOTCH Community Support Worker or a Community Support Worker from a recognized community agency
  • A WOTCH worker meets bi-monthly with the tenants to address any communal living concerns
  • Typically well-situated near bus lines, groceries, pharmacies, restaurants, and amenities
  • Fully furnished: heat, hydro, water and laundry services supplied by WOTCH

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be self-sufficient
  • Must have a Community Support Worker
  • Income may not exceed $21,000 per year

In addition to the homes WOTCH owns, we also manage and sublet 157 apartment units in a variety of locations in London and Goderich. All referred individuals must have been diagnosed as seriously mentally ill and are either homeless or at risk of becoming so. Community support services must also be in place. Rent is subsidized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Units are unfurnished, but a limited amount of money is available if a qualified person has no other funds available. This type of housing meets the needs of those who would fare better living on their own, as opposed to living in a communal setting.

When vacancies occur, persons on a waiting list are contacted and arrangements are made for visits to the house to meet the other tenants of the home. The decision regarding filling the vacancy involves all the tenants in the home.