SHIP began as an organization dedicated to providing housing and hope. Our foundation was built on the compassion and goodwill of those who recognized that community resources dedicated to providing housing and support for individuals with mental illness were non-existent.

SHIP was created to answer that need and has done so for an ever-increasing number of individuals over the past 20 years, despite a less than favourable social climate in the early years.

In 1980, efforts to open our first residence were met with open community opposition. Residential lawns displayed protest signs and neighbourhood petitions were circulated. Municipalities began reviewing their bylaws in an effort to restrict our efforts to safely house individuals with mental illness in their communities.

This was a challenging time for the organization. Through the perseverance of SHIP’s first Executive Director, Nellie Manley, and the support of community advocates including CMHA, SHIP opened a small townhouse in Mississauga, to provide housing for five individuals with mental illness. Within two years, SHIP had opened Parsons Place in Brampton, a small group home that housed eight residents. Four years later, a second group home, Hammond House in Mississauga, was opened to provide housing for another eight tenants.

Compassionate and proactive members of the community began to pull together in support of SHIP’s efforts. The Peel Mental Health Housing Coalition brought together SHIP, Salvation Army, ReLink, regional housing providers and local hospital staff. In 1984, the Region of Peel was approached to support SHIP’s continued efforts to house clients in the community. Their long-standing support continues to make a difference.

1992 saw the incorporation of SHIP as an independent agency. Partnerships with community organizations were established and every effort was made to earn the recognition and respect of hospitals and other mental health service providers. As this community of caring grew, a significant shift in philosophy embraced the attitude that we are all created equal. Clients were invited to participate in the development of programs and were involved in all levels of the decision-making process. By 1987, the Mental Health Reform Act had been passed and SHIP was in the forefront of a respectful new approach to providing housing and support to those in need.

SHIP remains a client-driven, client-focussed organization. We continuously expand our capacity to provide housing and mental health services to the communities in which SHIP serves.

Although SHIP has been successful in our efforts of the past 20 years, demand continues to far outpace overall capacity. In 2010, over 850 clients received housing and mental health services from SHIP while another 1,200 remain on our wait lists.

Recent History:

2000-2001:

• Ministry of Health and Long Term Care funding of 220 housing units

2001-2002:

• Implementation of the Homelessness Initiative
• Launch of Central Intake to provide co-ordinated access to housing and support services
• SHIP becomes lead agency on eight community partnerships
• Housing and support services provided for Concurrent Disorders, Dual Diagnosis and Outreach

2002-2003:

• Three new capital properties acquired
• Acquisitions represent 28 additional housing units and two commercial sites

2003-2004:

• 260 people housed
• Housed directly by SHIP or in partnership with other mental health agencies

2004-2005:

• 338 housing units
• 366 clients served
• Wait list reaches 313
• SHIP celebrates the formal Grand Opening of DestinationCafe.ca
• Staffed by our client population, this internet cafe provides valuable employment and community re-integration opportunities

2005-2006:

• 409 clients served
• 200 per cent increase in available client programs and services
• Wait list reaches 531
• Enhanced Case Management service and three new programs launched: Short Term Crisis Support Beds, Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) and Early Intervention Program

2007-2008:

• 768 clients served
• Funding received for additional 200 units
• Establishment of second Short Term Crisis Support Beds location
• Second Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) established
• Establishment of SHIP Intake Assessment Team
• Funds obtained through Central West LHIN

2008-2009:

• 837 clients served
• Funding received from Ministry of Community and Social Services for Dual Diagnosis SAIL Program
• Funding acquired for residential units for seniors in Brampton and enhanced seniors services
• Expansion of housing and services into Dufferin County and Malton communities

2009-2010:

• 859 clients served
• Wait list grows to 1,215
• Total wait list number includes 114 Seniors (55+)
• Establishment of Integrated Seniors Team Program
• Occupancy begins in Nance Horwood Place, a 30-unit older adult building

2010-2011:

• 1,450 clients served
• Wait list reaches nearly 1,200
• Construction of 11 Henderson completed and tenants welcomed to building  
• Launch of High Support Program
• Funding announced for Problematic Substance Use Program