Family Residence

Students Name: By: Bora H., Michele Ly, Kevin V. D., & Sarah P.

Contact Information

4222 Kingston Road Toronto M1E 2M6 416-397-1318 http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=c0aeab2cedf b0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&appInstanceName=default

Introduction
In Toronto, one can walk downtown streets and see people who are homeless asking for money. Homelessness has become a continued social concern especially since affordable housing is harder to find (Smith, 2013).

As a group, we wondered what happens to families who become homeless, where do they go? As inquiring minds want to know, we were lead to the Family Residence.
As part of search for answers, we like to invite you on our tour as we discovered what happens to homeless families.

What is a Family?
Q. What is your definition of family?
A. Everyone has their own definition of family!

But what does others think of What is a family ?

Government states: They tend to see families as small groups based on an affiliation or legal bonds, not on feelings, roles and responsibilities (Shimoni & Baxter, 2012, p. 6). Statistics Canada: Family as a married couple and the children, if any, of either or both partners; or, a lone parents of any marital status with at least one child living in the same dwelling and that child or those children (Shimoni & Baxter, 2012, p. 6).

But what does others think of What is a family?

According to Yara the shift leader who was guide, she stated that the Family Residences defines family as two parents, single parent with children (including single fathers), couples or pregnant women with a partner (Salabra, 2013).

Mission Statement
Hostel services is committed to a healthy and safe environment. We believe that everyone in this shelter should be treated fairly. They should be treated with respect, tolerance, and dignity(Salabra, 2013).

Quick History of the Family Residence

Since 1968, the Family Residence was establish in downtown Toronto through a support group. By 1987, the Family Residence moved to a current location on Kingston Road. It is funded and operated by the City of Toronto or in other words, the municipal government. There are five (5) family residence faculties within Toronto.

Tbca. (2012, September 22). City of Toronto animal bylaw amendment proposal meeting Sept 26. Retrieved from http://trinitybellwoods.org/2012/09/city-of-toronto-

How Does The System Work?

First, a family must call Central Intake to request residency, then Central Intake will take down all their information. From there, Central Intake will process their information and find them a place by using the Over-flow model where the primary support is given to families in need. In the Family Residence, there are about 350 individuals making up 100 families using the residence.

Services Provided
The Family Residence staff provide a variety of services on site for residences such as: Family Counseling Housing and Outreach Counseling Referrals to other agencies: Addiction Support, Mental Health, and Public Health Nurse Assistance to access/applying for Ontario Works (Welfare) On site Daycare with limited basis Children Counseling Various Youth programs as part of Childrens Counseling: Homework Club Boys & Girls Club Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Housing and Homeless

What are some of the reasons why families become homeless? Low income families often suffer financial loss when faced with unexpected circumstances arise, e.g. medical expenses, loss of work, eviction, victims of violence, new immigrants, relocation, new to the city. Sometimes, they are evicted by family members because they cant pay rent.

How long does it take to get into Housing once Central Intake get the info? That depends on the verification and eligibility process performed by Central Intake by having the family prove their claim with artifacts of proof of homeless.

Operational Procedures
What is the capacity of the Family Residence per month? The Family Residence has 150 beds and the average stay for a family is about 2 to 3 months. What does the faculty offer to a family moving in? The Family Residence provide a family when moving in a room with beds, a fridge, and a microwave. They share kitchen and laundry faculties.

What happens after they leave Family Residence?

Is there a process that helps to support families after they leave the residence? Is it eventually tapered off and how is that decided?

Families are offered Housing and Outreach counseling. The length of support is depends upon the families needs, some may be need extra support for a few months after and other families may need long term support e.g addiction, mental health issue etc. Outside agencies are also contact to help provide support.

What about Staffing?

What kind of educational background do you need to work there? You need a post-secondary education in Social Work. What kind of on the job training do they receive? Staff are also trained in First Aid and CPR. They are also trained to handle violent incidences by intervention and calling the Emergency Police Services if needed. CAS may be notified if there are reports of abuse or neglect of children.

Rooms

Resources for Parents & Children

Resources for Parents & Children

Animoto

Trivial Game
1. Where did our group visit? a) YMCA b) Family Residence c) Covenant House d) The Salvation Army

Trivial Game
2. Who funds the family residence? a) Privately owned b) Donations through the community c) A rich couple up in Collingwood d) City of Toronto

Trivial Game
3. What are some of the reasons that might be why families become homeless? a) Low Income b) Medical Expenses c) Addiction Problems d) Eviction e) Abusive relationships f) All of the above

Trivial Game
4. What services does Family Residence not offer? a) Family counseling b) Housing counseling c) Children counseling d) Academic success

Trivial Game
5. Which of the following children services is not offer by Family Residence? a) Full time day care services b) Swimming c) Boys & Girls club d) Youth programs

Bibliography
Kingsoft office. (2013). Download environment powerpoint templates/ppt templates for free. Retrieved from http://www.kingsoftstore.com/environment-ppttemplate Salabra, Y. (Shift leader). Tuesday, October 8th, 2013. [Interview]. Family residence. Smith, J. (2013, January 10th ). New study shatters myths of homelessness in Toronto Metro. Retrieved from http://metronews.ca/news/toronto/504161/new-studyshatters-myths-of-homelessness-in-toronto/ Tbca. (2012, September 22). City of Toronto animal bylaw amendment proposal meeting Sept 26. Retrieved from http://trinitybellwoods.org/2012/09/city-oftoronto-animal-bylaw-amendment-proposal-meeting-sept-26/

Thank you for listening !