From our President & CEO
Dear friends of Indwell,
One of the highlights of Indwell board meetings is hearing inperson reports from members of our staff teams. We meet six times a year, allowing us to hear from a diverse group of people throughout that period. This past year, we heard from Chelsea, program manager at Lakeshore Lofts, and Chris, facilities manager for our programs in London and St. Thomas. We also make a point of switching up our meeting locations. While the boardroom at Indwell’s Resource Centre in Hamilton is our usual spot, we’ve had the chance to gather at London’s Embassy Commons, Woodstock’s Blossom Park and Mississauga’s Lakeshore Lofts. These visits have given us the opportunity to connect with staff and tenants in a relaxed, casual atmosphere, which we’ve really enjoyed.
In addition to the usual work of the Governance Committee, we’re proud of the work of their Quality Assurance Council, very capably led by Hamilton tenant, Cheryl. This sub-committee is made up of tenants from across our seven regions and reports on various aspects of tenant life. The 2023-2024 fiscal year has been an exciting journey, powered by the efforts of our growing — and excellent — staff team. Their day-in, day-out dedication to providing tenant-centred support has been inspirational. As we serve individuals with increasingly complex needs, increased base funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Health, along with generous community donations and tenant rent, is enabling our teams to sharpen their expertise and specialize in their practice.
With encampments springing up in most communities, it’s painfully obvious that we desperately need more supportive housing. Every door we open together becomes a solution to homelessness and precarious housing. We commend Indwell staff and our many partners for their tireless work to bring hope, love, and dignity through permanent homes. Recently, we witnessed the fruit of this effort with the opening of 40 apartments at Cornerstone Suites in Streetsville, Mississauga — even as we write this, tenants are moving into their brand-new homes! But we also wish we could greenlight projects that are ready to go. You have given, municipalities are responding, we can tap into some federal government programs, but we really need the province to come to the table. We are so close to being able to close the capital funding gap on numerous projects in order to start construction. It’s frustrating and heart-breaking, especially for those who are facing another winter unhoused.
This year, 2024, also marks a half century of service. For 50 years, Indwell has been providing supportive housing that transforms lives. Over the summer, each program celebrated with an ice cream social — 32 ice cream cakes were enjoyed! Broader community celebrations will wrap up by the end of the year, with November celebrations in Woodstock and London. We are humbled by the great cloud of witnesses to hope and homes over 50 years. If you’re a praying person, we value your continued prayers for each tenant, staff, volunteer, board member, and also for all other partners who make hope and homes a possibility.
Thank you for your partnership.
John Nyholt
President, Board of Directors
Jeff Neven
Chief Executive Officer
Understanding Tenant Experiences
Indwell tenant survey
Ontario Perception of Care
In January and February 2024, Indwell conducted a survey to gather tenant feedback using the Ontario Perception of Care (OPOC) tool, developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, to measure client experiences in mental health and addiction services across eight domains.
The survey included tenants from all programs open for at least one year, with Thompson Road Apartments added to provide feedback for the City of London. Of the 1,100 tenants surveyed, 298 responded (27%). To ensure anonymity, hard copies were delivered to mailboxes, and responses could be submitted to a general mailbox. Staff assisted tenants who needed help transcribing their responses.
“Staff support my independence but will help when needed.”
“I am treated with respect by staff.”
“I am offered opportunities to become involved with others.”
“Staff are compassionate and caring.”
By the numbers
April 2023 to March 2024
In Indwell's 50th year,
we're thankful for...
Goal planning meetings, check-ins, case conferences
Recreational groups, games nights, skill development groups
Daily meals, cooking programs, food bank and community resource identification, and help with grocery shopping
Health assessments, conversations with outpatient supports, staff accompaniment to appointments or hospital visits, medication support and nursing support
Numbers reflect data gathered from approximately 1200 tenants. Please note: not all tenants require all services listed.
Stories of Hope
The difference supportive housing makes
Jay
Embassy Commons, London
Jay has called Embassy Commons home for over two years now. After struggling with addiction and homelessness, he credits his social workers for helping him find a safe, permanent home. “I’m forever grateful,” he says. Shortly after moving in, Jay joined an “acoustic jam” session with tenants and staff — a perfect fit for him, as he already played guitar and bass. As a musician, he also appreciated that Embassy Commons was built on the site of the former Embassy Hotel, a venue famous for hosting live bands. Jay’s an active participant in programs like the crock pot cooking group and writing group, stating that these events sometimes feel like “family reunions we used to have as a kid.” Jay also volunteers with the InterCommunity Health Centre, assisting the “Love Your Liver” hepatitis C support group and contributing to community well-being.
Yvette
Woodfield Gate Apartments, London
Before moving to Woodfield Gate, Yvette and her partner were forced out of their basement apartment by an illegal renoviction, ending up in a motel. She recalls, “There were cockroaches and bedbugs. We had no TV, no A/C, no phone, and we paid $1,500 a month.” Yvette was connected with Indwell and after seeing her new apartment, she felt relief. “Everything’s changed. Especially myself,” she says. “You’re part of a community here. There’s coffee in the morning, they have programs — I’m close to a lot of people in this building.” When she’s not working at a local grocery store, Yvette, a First Nations woman, enjoys attending programming run by Atlosha Family Healing Services, such as outdoor fires and traditional bread making. Yvette credits her new home with aiding her recovery from addiction: “You have food, shelter, your animals, your partner…you have community and belonging. You feel good, so you don’t feel like you need to mess yourself up anymore.”
Dennis
Lakeshore Lofts, Mississauga
Dennis used to live in a boarding house in Streetsville, which he describes as “a terrible nightmare — not only mentally, but financially as well.” That same house was eventually purchased by Indwell and transformed into the newly opened Cornerstone Suites. Following the purchase, Indwell helped Dennis relocate to Lakeshore Lofts. Reflecting on the move, he shares, “It changed my life. It was a dream come true to be able to have a bit of money left over at the end of the month after rent and food. This new life came to me from God. How much more could a man want than to have the ability to enjoy life?” Dennis is grateful for the support of his family, particularly his sister, who, after visiting him at Indwell, declared, “You’re not going anywhere else!” Living next door to the Compass Food Bank and receiving regular check-ins from Indwell staff, Dennis feels well cared for. As he puts it, “Loneliness? It doesn’t exist in this building.”
Tiffani
Caroline Apartments, Hamilton
Tiffani has lived at Caroline Apartments for 16 years, having moved in when she was pregnant with her daughter, who has lived there her whole life. Over the years, Tiffani and her daughter have participated in various community programs, such as craft groups, and they enjoy the building’s social events, like barbecues. Tiffani appreciates the secure and supportive environment, stating, “I get along with most of the tenants. I love the staff. I love coming to Tea Time and interacting with people, even if it’s just sitting outside and chatting with my neighbors, and trotting my dog around for everybody to say hi.” Caroline Apartments is a diverse community with tenants who have a variety of needs, and Tiffani makes an effort to offer help, valuing the trust and care residents show for each other — something she considers rare in most apartment buildings.50 Years of Hope and Homes
A legacy built on Dignity, Hope, and Love
In 2024, Indwell celebrates a remarkable milestone — half a century of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to providing dignity and independence for individuals with disabilities.
Western Research Project
Research shows permanent supportive housing ends homelessness
Decades of research have demonstrated that an approach to supportive housing called Housing First is effective in supporting people transition towards stable and healthier living at home. However, there remains much to be known about models of supportive housing, what kinds of supports are helpful and the impact of being housed on individual’s sense of belonging and wellness.
Financial Snapshot
Growing Sustainably
April 2023 to March 2024
We Received
We Spent
For operating
and programs
For buildings
2024
2023*
2022
*Short fiscal year: Sept. 2022-Mar. 2023
Breakdown of Operating Revenue
Total: $29.3M*
* Does not include capital or reserve fund revenue
Allocation of Operating Expenses
Total: $25.5M
Consolidated Revenue
*Short fiscal year: Sept. 2022-Mar. 2023
Assets & Liabilities
*Short fiscal year: Sept. 2022-Mar. 2023
Making Housing Affordable
A guide for facilitating partnerships with churches and charities to develop affordable housing
We are indwell
The values that drive us
Dignity
We affirm the image of God in everyone.
Love
We love our neighbours.
Hope
Hope is the foundation of what we do.
Donate
Through your gifts you are providing affordable housing, supports, and community for Indwell tenants. This helps each person achieve health, wellness and belonging.
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Indwell is a Hamilton-based Christian charity that has been supporting vulnerable adults dealing with mental health challenges for 50 years. We are the fastest growing developer of new supportive affordable housing in Ontario. Indwell’s communities support over 1250 tenants in regions across Southern and Southwestern Ontario—with several projects currently under construction or pre-development. Indwell empowers tenants to achieve health and wellness goals, and to constructively engage with their communities.
