Ajax group home accommodates up to four people with mental illnesses
Jan 23, 2010 - 04:30 AM
By Reka Szekely
AJAX -- A home is now open in Ajax for people with mental illnesses transitioning to independent living.
Scott House is named after Durham Crown Attorney John Scott in honour of his work to help people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system. The two-storey converted home owned by Durham Mental Health Services can accommodate up to four people and the target is people with long-term persistent mental health issues.
"It's for people who have graduated to being more independent on their way to getting their own places," said Mark Bouwmeester, of DMHS, who is the coordinator for the house.
The residents receive about 20 hours of support per week from DMHS and live family-style, sharing cooking and cleaning duties.
"The idea is people should live with the least amount of support to be successful," said Mr. Bouwmeester.
Although some neighbours were a little wary when it was announced a house in the central Ajax area would be a group home, community consultations satisfied them.
"The neighbours have been very welcoming ... we've been able to blend into the community very well," said Mr. Bouwmeester.
Scott House is the 11th supportive housing location for DMHS and it was made possible entirely by fundraising donations, said Robert Adams, DMHS executive director. He would like to see more government dollars for this type of housing in the future.
"At this time there's a huge demand for supportive housing and there are very few dollars going to supportive housing," he said.
One of the reasons Scott House was created was so another house in Ajax could become a 24-hour supportive home in the wake of the closure of in-patient mental health beds at the Ajax hospital.
Mary Larkman, one of the first people to call Scott House home, said she found the neighbourhood to be friendly.
"If I didn't have this house, I'd probably still be in the hospital because they won't let you out if you don't have a place to go," she said.
At the official opening of the home in late November, Mr. Scott said he was honoured the house was named after him.
"I can't tell you how much my family appreciates this," he said.
Recommend :