Historic $1.1 Million Donation to Supportive Housing Program for Women
Aug 1, 2024
August 1, 2024, LONDON, ON – Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services (CMHA TVAMHS) is thrilled to announce the largest single donation in the organization’s history: $1.1 million. This extraordinary donation, made by an anonymous donor, has supported the acquisition of a five-story apartment building in downtown London, which serves as the location for one of CMHA’s supportive housing programs for women.
“We are deeply grateful to the anonymous donor who has made this incredible donation possible,” says Pam Tobin, CEO of CMHA TVAMHS. “Their thoughtfulness and generosity will make a profound difference in the lives of so many, and will help us reach our goals of saving lives and strengthening the community by reducing the impacts of the health and homelessness crisis.”
In addition to this historic donation, CMHA TVAMHS extends thanks the City of London and the Ministry of Health for their support and role in bringing the purchase of this property to fruition.
With the successful completion of purchase, CMHA TVAMHS’ supportive housing program within the building will be retained and stabilized, allowing it to continue providing essential support to Londoners who would otherwise be unhoused. The agency will be able to re-invest funds back into the property and its supportive housing programs. Plans include upgrades to individual units, refurbishing common spaces, and improving workspace for staff who are on-site seven days a week. Taking ownership is a purposeful retention strategy, ensuring existing tenants remain housed while accommodating the future addition of affordable units to those in the greatest need.
“This transformative gift and the subsequent purchase of this building helps achieve our housing goals by bringing a significant level of stability and security to our clients,” says Dean Astolfi, VP of Supportive Housing & Program Development at CMHA Thames Valley. “With our extensive experience in supportive housing and the opportunity to operate this building debt-free, we can better invest in the future of the program and its clients.”
The building acquired through this donation currently houses Nicole’s Choice, a supportive independent living program for women, with capacity for 25 units. Clients are generally moderate to high acuity individuals with a history of chronic homelessness or housing instability. On-site staff provide support seven days a week, focusing on recovery and harm reduction while keeping clients housed and guiding them to be responsible tenants.
About CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services is an integrated mental health and addiction agency providing community-based supports and services to individuals living in London and the counties of Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, and South Huron. It is guided by its vision statement “resilience for all through positive mental health and freedom from addiction”.
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Media inquiries can be sent to communications@cmhatv.ca