About HOUSE OF COMPASSION of Toronto
The HOUSE OF COMPASSION of Toronto was founded in 1988 by members of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, who were inspired to provide a home for vulnerable people in our community, those who need support to live successfully in the community, who are in danger of homelessness. Many of these fragile people are dealing with mental health issues. Today, the HOC program provides long term, high level, supportive housing for residents who have a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental illness. Prospective residents are referred by mental health workers and housing support workers; it is expected that case management will continue to be provided while the resident lives at HOC.
Each resident has his or her own single bedroom, sharing the other common areas of the home and living together in community. Caring and compassionate staff are present at all times in the home working shifts to cover a 24/7 schedule. Staff members provide a complete meal plan and cleaning and housekeeping services, creating a true home environment. Medical regimens are supported, including the taking of prescribed medications. HOC workers are trained to participate as members of the case management team, supporting case managers in individual programs for residents. Staff listen, comfort, counsel and encourage and, importantly, are there when needed.
Three adjoining row houses in a downtown residential neighbourhood have been renovated and redesigned to accommodate 21 men and women. Near to transportation and other community amenities, the housing complex is indistinguishable from its well-kept neighbours. With the privacy of a furnished, single bedroom, residents share common areas; living rooms, tv lounges, and three front porches from which to view life in the neighbourhood. Enclosed sunporches and a deck overlook a lovely rear garden where flowers and a vegetable garden grow. The heart at the centre of the home is a large open kitchen with a dining room adjoining each side, where residents gather in community to eat nourishing meals or to enjoy cups of coffee, tea and conversation. Community living is fostered with the celebration of birthdays and holidays.
The goal of the founders and of the board of the HOUSE OF COMPASSION of Toronto is to promote recovery, with the gifts of acceptance and friendship and peace, in the context of a home — a visible testimony of love of one’s neighbour in the service of a loving God. The Spirit that motivates those involved in the governance of HOC, and in maintaining the program as staff members, and in providing support as donors or volunteers, is the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is He who had compassion on multitudes, He who shared our poverty. It is He who was born in a borrowed shelter, who said of Himself, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.”
