Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative

This is a three year agreement ending in March 2011 (with the potential for extension) which funds one full time position mandated to prevent homelessness among the target population – adults with mental health issues. The Independent Living Skills Support Worker carries a caseload of up to 30 clients annually and works closely with Sara Riel's clinical team and external agents to help secure and maintain sustainable tenancies.

This is accomplished through a consumer focused service model whereby services are tailored to the specific needs of each individual to help them be successful in their own home. Services offered include assisting the individual on their recovery process through rehabilitation services, case management, and service integration. This includes case management services of connecting the individual with the existing services that are available to them. Available support services through Sara Riel also include independent living skills ranging from basic hygiene, cooking skills and accessing public services, to budget management, decision making and tenant rights, apartment management and self advocacy. Sara Riel further provides mental health support services including symptom and stress management, insight, addictions counselling and harm reduction, spiritual care services and community integration. Sara Riel also will provide advocacy on behalf of our clients when interfacing with collaterals such as other service providers, landlords, funders etc.