Housing Support Workers (HSW) assist youth in communicating with landlords, reviewing lease agreements, securing convertible leases, responding to landlord concerns, developing budgeting skills and helping youth access additional financial supports (Employment Insurance, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and student financing). In the event of eviction, our organization follows CHF policy and procedure using supportive case management. Staff work to rehouse the youth as quickly as possible and minimize the time of housing instability.

HSWs operate from a coaching and mentorship philosophy that mimics one-to-one, parental teaching. This often means ‘doing with’ in the early stages of skill acquisition. The HSW begins transition planning on the day of intake and coordinates resources that wrap around the youth, supporting them in becoming self-sufficient both in their home and in their community. Youth also have access to 24/7 emergency on-call youth housing support from a HSW who is able to respond by phone or in person when necessary.

Four HSWs are dedicated to the project and each help 7-8 youth find and maintain permanent housing. In this case management position, building relationships with the youth is essential as workers are responsible for identifying the appropriate amount of support required by each youth to help them remain housed and accomplish their other goals.