Housing, Outreach, and Support

The programs featured below are part of the continuum of services CMHA Calgary provides, however, these programs are only accessible through referrals from our partners.

Supportive Living Program

The Supportive Living Program serves individuals 18 years of age and over, who have been diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental health condition and/or concurrent disorder that has affected their ability to live independently. Clients work regularly with CMHA Calgary’s multidisciplinary team to increase their level of independence through individualized support and goal setting.

CMHA Calgary operates out of four group living settings. Group living allows for the assessment of client needs and functioning on a regular basis. Clients work regularly
with CMHA Calgary’s team to increase their level of independence through individualized support and goal setting. Clients are encouraged to engage in community programs as their skills and abilities allow.

Our Supportive Living Program Provides:

  • Stepped-level care based on the skill level of the residents
  • Individualized SMART goal setting and one-to-one support
  • Assistance with establishing a collaborative support network for clients and connection to community resources
  • In-house wellness and activity groups
  • A focus on skills development and wellness

All referrals for the Supportive Living Program are done through Alberta Health Services’ Regional Housing Program.

Apartment Program

CMHA Calgary’s Apartments Program supports clients who live independently in Horizon Housing residences on their independent living skills to find structure, routine, a positive support system, and improve their overall mental health and wellness.

Clients work regularly with CMHA Calgary coordinators to increase their level of independence through individualized support and goal setting. Additional supports include connection to community resources and assistance with the development of coping and problem-solving skills. CMHA Calgary supports approximately 160 clients residing in six different apartment buildings.

Development of activities for daily living include:

  • Budgeting
  • Meal and Grocery Planning
  • Household Maintenance
  • Community Resources

All referrals for the Apartment Program are done through Alberta Health Services’ Regional Housing Program.

Continuing Connections

The Continuing Connections program assists individuals 18 to 65+ years of age who reside in a long-term care centre and who have complex care needs, often managing both long-term physical and mental health concerns. Often clients experience feelings of hopelessness, isolation, or boredom. This recovery-based program is designed to increase clients’ confidence and facilitate healthy living while restoring hope.

This program is a partnership with Alberta Health Services and is available at Bethany Care Centre, Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre, Garrison Green, Glamorgan Care Centre, and SkyPointe.

Our Continuing Connections Program Provides:

  • Introduction to foundational skill-building groups
  • Therapeutic recreation activities and outings
  • Assistance with attending other helpful community programs

All referrals for the Continuing Connections program are done through select long-term care facilities and Alberta Health Services.

Independent Living Support

The emphasis of the Independent Living Support (ILS) Program is on empowering the individual to improve quality and productivity in all areas of community life. The program provides a comprehensive range of skill development services to people with severe and/or persistent mental illness. Clients have the opportunity to continue to receive ILS services until their goals are met, as long as there is a demonstrated need for services.

Goals can help to:

  • Promote mental health awareness and wellness
  • Enhance quality of life
  • Connect to community
  • Help manage their lives independently

Individual goals emphasizing life and social skills may include:

  • Home management
  • Money management
  • Coping and stress management
  • Volunteer/work pursuits
  • Leisure/recreation opportunities
  • Education programs and support groups
  • Housing information and referrals
  • Connections to community resources

All referrals for the Independent Living Support program are done through Alberta Health Services’ mental health clinics.