HWS

HOUSING WITH SUPPORT (HWS)

This program was previously known as the Domiciliary Hostel program and is now known as Housing with Support. The program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Housing but is administered by the local government regions, counties and cities. This program is part of the Province's effort to reduce homelessness and is know as CHPI (Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative).

The specification and standards of operating are similar to those of HSC’s and are largely based on the HSC’s operation manuals. In many cases, residents are long-term and the Homes become their home.

Payment is different to HSC in that payment is from the local municipality who set their own rates and method of payment. Some municipalities use a per diem rate; others have lump sum contracts.

These homes are exempt from the Residential Tenancies act, 2006; the Retirement Home Act of 2007 and are Income Tax exempt if the Home is the principal residence of the operator.

In many respects, these homes are operated in a very similar manner to the HSC’s. The major difference is the origin of the residents. They are placed through the various social services serving the different local municipalities as opposed to HSC`s where residents are provided by the Ministry of Health Long-Term Care.

Qualifications for owning and operating these homes are basically the same as for HSC’s – Vulnerable Persons Police Clearance and Basic First Aid and CPR.

Q. & A.

Q. What qualifications does one need to own and operate an HSC?

A. One must have a police clearance for Vulnerable Persons and a Basic First Aid certificate.

Q. What qualifications are required for employees?

A. No qualifications except for the Vulnerable Persons Police Clearance and Basic First Aid.

Q. Do we need a nurse to administer the medications?

A. No, because there is no dispensing of the medication; the medication comes in bubble
packs clearly labeled with the residents’ name.

Q. How do I handle violent residents?

A. Violent persons are not candidates for these types of homes. The Social Service workers
who place residents will ensure all the residents are compatible.

Q. Do I have to be at the home all the time?

A. No. As an owner your responsibility will be to ensure that a capable person is onsite all the
time. However, many owners of smaller homes do work in the homes to save on labour
costs and also because they enjoy the work of caring for vulnerable people.

For more information on HWS's, review some of the links shown below:

http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/page9183.aspx
Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI)

http://www.countyofessex.on.ca/en/government/housing-with-supports.asp
Essex County housing with support

http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/social-services/housing/residential-services
Ottawa housing with support

http://bit.ly/2e4NGj9
York Region Housing with Support

http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/crich/wp-content/uploads/domiciliary-hostel-survey.pdf
Domiciliary Hostel Survey 2009

http://www.durham.ca/social.asp?nr=/departments/social/housing/emerg/domiciliary_hostels.htm&setFooter=includes/socialHousingfooter.inc
Durham Region Housing with Support

http://www.county.lanark.on.ca/Page1931.aspx
Lanark County HWS

https://www.hamilton.ca/social-services/housing/domiciliary-hostels-emergency-shelters
Hamilton HWS

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/faqs-about-vulnerable-sector-checks

Q&A for Vulnerable Persons Police Check

http://www.profirstaid.com/landing/dynamic4/search34?gclid-CLKbwKf6zc8CFZM2aQod7FcFGQ
Online First Aide and CPR