Housing & Support

Houselink offers shared, self-contained, and family units to individuals with histories of mental illness. Our housing includes apartment buildings and houses. Most vacancies occur in our shared units. All housing is in Toronto.

Applicants are able to live independently with support. Staff support is available on a mutually agreed upon basis. Rent is geared to income.

Members have the full rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.

How to Apply

Houselink has started using a new application form in participation with the newly established Coordinated Access to Supportive Housing (CASH) application procedure. As of Nov 9, 2009 all persons applying for supportive housing in Toronto must complete this new Mental Health & Addictions Supportive Housing application, and apply initially to the new CASH central waiting list. Once on the central list, an applicant will have access to up to 29 participating housing agencies, including Houselink. Please note, applicants already on the Houselink waiting list will not lose seniority. However, they are encouraged to complete this new application as well, in order to increase their chances of being housed sooner.

Completed applications should be initially directed to the CASH Network Office. The Network Office will then forward applications to housing agencies as needed in order for them to assess eligibility and fill vacancies. If a person wishes to apply for only certain agencies, such as Houselink, this can be specified on the application. More information on CASH, including participating agencies, can be found at  http://www.tosupportivehousing.ca/

While a professional referral is not mandatory for application to CASH, it is highly recommended that a mental health or social service worker assist in filling out and submitting the application. Many participating agencies, including Houselink, do not accept applications that are not professionally referred. An applicant may significantly limit their housing options by applying without a referral. Please call 416 539-0690 ext.254 for more information or download the new CASH application form.

Once we have received the completed application from CASH, our Intake and Referral Coordinator can arrange an interview to further determine eligibility.
In shared housing, there is another interview to establish compatibility with members already living in the home.

Applicants to the Mental Health and Justice Initiative should call the Central Unit Registry first, at 416 979-1994 ext.224. The Unit Registry will take information, and then refer the applicant on to Houselink.