Journeying through the decades of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, the Homestead welcomed numerous residents who discovered a sense of community and acquired valuable skills. While most residents transitioned to independent living, many keeping in close touch with staff and friends at the Homestead.
Steve Rolfe, our Director of Health Partnerships, reminisces about The Homestead’s “legendary” status in the 90s — a unique community-based living option distinct from case management services.
While not an official part of the health care system yet, The Homestead was known for complementing it, and many medical residents at McMaster in the 70s and 80s volunteered with The Homestead as part of their training. In a Hamilton Spectator article entitled “Homestead working wonders,” Rudy DeVries (the long-term house parent from our last post) stated, “At least 40 former residents have never been readmitted to hospital since leaving the Locke Street South home.”
As our understanding of mental health evolved, The Homestead recognized the need for growth, prompting considerations for expansion. A resident’s optimistic letter during The Homestead’s 25th anniversary expressed excitement about future possibilities: “Homestead is now thinking of expansion and trying a new method that I am all for: our own apartment, having the support of The Homestead staff on hand. This will give us a change to ‘spread our wings’ yet give the stability we need. That way we can grow in independence, yet when problems arise, we have the staff on hand to help.”
Fast forward to today: there are over 1290 tenants benefiting from Indwell’s supportive and affordable housing model, echoing the aspirations of that past resident! 🏡✨
