What We Do
Coast Mental Health began serving individuals in the Greater Vancouver area in 1972. Today we provide supported housing to nearly 800 people, help hundreds find paid work and volunteer activities each year, and provide community services for people with a mental illness. By 2012, we will house over 1,100.
Recovery from a mental illness is more than taking pills: we focus on maximizing each person’s ability to function in daily activities. Our programs include:
Housing
Supported Housing - ~650 Housed
Coast pioneered the development of supported housing because one of the greatest needs of people with a mental illness is safe, secure and affordable housing with appropriate support. Read More >
Community Homes – 12 Houses, Over 120 Housed in Vancouver and Burnaby
Coast has licensed-care community homes that provide 24-hour staffing in a home-like atmosphere for individuals who are unable to live independently. Read More >
Coast Cottages - 50 Housed
Provides 24-hour care to people with a mental illness who have had involvement with the justice system but have been found not guilty or responsible due to a mental illness. Read More >
Concurrent Disorder Transitional Housing - 40 Housed
This program is designed to assist young men and women with co-occurring issues in the areas of mental health, substance use, physical health, and behavior to learn skills to transition to living in the community. Read More >
At Home/Chez Soi - 100 Housed by 2011
Coast is working with The Mental Health Commission of Canada on a ground-breaking national research project in five cities to find the best way to provide housing and services to people who are living with mental illness and homelessness. Read More >
New Developments
Read about new buildings and programs Coast is currently working on. Read More >
Mental Health Resource Centre - 500 Active Members, 220 meals served daily
The Centre in downtown Vancouver provides meals, laundry and shower facilities, social and recreational activities to more than 200 people daily. Read More >
Coast Clubhouse - 400 Members, 80 Meals Served Daily, 80 Jobs Weekly
Provides meals and volunteer and employment opportunities in a safe, friendly environment. Read More >
PACT Employment Services - 160+ Served Annually
Offers employment search help for individuals with a mental illness who are seeking competitive employment. Read More >
Landscaping with Heart - 20 Employed
Specializes in professional landscaping construction, garden design and planting, and lawn and garden maintenance for residential and commercial customers. Read More >
Sewing with Heart
Produces a variety of quality tote, lunch, wine and yoga bags. These businesses provide income, work opportunities and skill development for people recovering from a mental illness. Read More >
Financial Trust Program - 350+ Served
Managing over $12M in assets for Persons with Disability (PWD) status in BC. Individuals who receive a lump sum of money, or their families, can place the assets in a trust that allows the PWD to keep their payments and benefits without penalty, and use the funds to enhance their health and independence. Read More >