Success Story: Supported Housing

Encouraging Independence

In 1994, Patty’s life took a turn for the better.  This year marked the first time Patty had a place to call home. Coast’s Clark Apartments supported housing program provided safe, appropriate, affordable and secure accommodations that allowed her to receive the mental health services she needed to live independently. 

Patty was first diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1976 and refers to life then as living like a gypsy. “I had a hard time settling, nowhere felt like home. I lived in twenty places over twenty years,” recalls Patty.

Patty had a difficult time maintaining friendships, building trust and living independently before moving to Clark Apartments.  “This is the first time that I made friendships that have lasted. It really feels like a family here,” says Patty.

Along with 17 tenants, Patty has been leading a healthy life. Every week the dinner program is held and Patty volunteers to do the shopping, setting up, and cleaning the dishes.  Clark has a mental health worker on site Monday to Friday to provide support as needed to the tenants.

“The people in the building really support each other. The staff is wonderful and provides a safe environment to discuss any concerns, but tenants here are independent and do not depend on staff for day to day living.”

Patty is one of over seven hundred tenants who have found and retained a home through Coast Supportive Housing Programs in over thirty different locations across the Lower Mainland.  By 2012, the number of supportive housing units will increase to over 850 much-needed units with the addition of Pender Apartments and Timber Grove Apartments.

Read full update from the Supported Housing Department