Extraordinary Needs Program (ENP)

 

Extraordinary Needs Program 1 – Individualized Support

The Extraordinary Needs Program (ENP) facilitates the transition of individuals with complex mental health and other needs from hospital to the community through coordinated funding provision that focuses on individualized supports reducing over time as the person stabilizes.  ENP provides dedicated funding for those resources until such point as they are no longer required and/or can be assumed by other programs. These individuals often are designated Alternate Level of Care (ALC) in the hospital and cannot be safely discharged without the provision of additional community supports. Funding is flexible to meet the unique needs of each individual according to their coordinated recovery plan. However, funding cannot be utilized for rent or housing top-ups.

 

Extraordinary Needs Program 2 – Supportive Housing

Our ENP program expanded to include a residential component to provide supported housing within the community for individuals with a high level of service need. The expanded service provides individualized, flexible support in two congregate five (5) bed housing settings (one in Kitchener and one in Guelph- Wellington) with shared and private space for all clients.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• 18 years or older

• Must live in the Region of Waterloo or County of Wellington or have a plan to move to either area

• Must have a diagnosed or diagnosable severe and persistent mental illness

• All options for discharge from hospital or appropriate housing and support in the community, including consultation with service resolution (where applicable) have been explored and there is no feasible community housing plan.

• The individual has complex issues including but not limited to: acquired brain injury, dual diagnosis, concurrent disorder, difficult to support behaviour, fluctuating needs, and complex medical needs.

• The individual is currently in hospital and designated Alternate Level of Care (ALC); and/or the individual displays a pattern of behavior which repeatedly puts themselves and/or others at risk, which is a barrier to housing stability. This would be demonstrated by several of the following:

  • Persistent homelessness and/or repeated loss of housing;

  • Need for intensive housing supports;

  • Repeated hospital admissions and/or emergency department visits;

  • Involvement with the criminal justice system;

  • Repeated contacts with police, EMS, emergency services;

  • Significant support efforts from multiple community agencies; or significant disengagement from community services.

• The primary barrier(s) to housing stability is not related to a diagnosis of dementia or a physical disability or an acute medical condition.

• The individual can live safely in the community with available supports.

 

Referral Process

Complete the referral package found here and send to:

 

Alyssa George, CHO Coordinator

Telephone: 519-742-3191 ext. 1436

Cellphone: 519-778-1056

Fax: 519-742-5232

E-mail: ageorge@thresholdssupports.ca