Maxwell Meighen Center

The Salvation Army

Maxwell Meighen Center

Our Programs

Maxwell Meighen Center

Primary Support Unit

What is the Primary Support Unit

A community based service to assist homeless men experiencing a mental health crisis or experiencing emotional problems that do not require hospitalization. We provided a 10 bed unit, for up to 3 weeks, intended to provide a safe supportive enviroment to help men through a crisis.
We also provide 4 short-term residential crisis beds under the Mental Health and Justice Initiative Program.
A non-medical, psycological based program, which embraces a client centered approach.
Provides an enviroment that provides clients an opportunity to examine their quality of life issues while focusing on basic needs, from a position of strength and hope.

Program Features

General respite including 24-hour access to the dorms and program areas.
24-hour counselling services as well as Case Management services.
- On going needs assesment and advocacy by the Primary Support Unit team.
- Referrals to community agency programs and services.
- Community Outreach and Support up to six months after leaving the Primary Support Unit.
- Organized social and recreational activities such as movies nights, theatre, and sporting events.
Wellness program (A voluntary program which includes a safety plan for those clients struggling with Addictions, Stress Management, Mental Health Relapse Prevention, and Community Resources Tour/Map program)
Referal to medical, vocations, housing and other related services.
Medication storage/monitoring on a volunteer basis.
Flexible involvment in the program.
Provisions of 3 meals per day, access to clothing and attention to basic needs.
Pastoral care is avaliable.

Criteria for Admission

The individual is experiencing a mental health crisis but not in need if hospitilization or, the client is socially isolated and seeming unable to access needed resources due to mental health problems or, individuals who are otherwise in need a supportive intervention and semi-structured assistance to regain control over their lives. The highest consideration is placed on how the client defines the crisis he faces.

Be homeless, no fixed address.
Between the ages of 18 and 65.
Not activly suicidal.
No aggressie behaviour or demonstrated violent behaviour.
Able to perform daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and attending meals.
Must be ambulatory and not in need of intensive mediacal care.

Referral and Intake Process

Referrals/Admissions/Questions can be made 24-hours a day by calling the Primary Support Unit at 416 366 2733 ext. 276. Agencies are asked to complete a Primary Service Unit referral form which can be faxed to 416 366 4229.
Staff then reviews the completed referral form and a follow up call is made. Both the agency and the client will be interviewed by phone, If appropriate, a bed will be confirmed and a date for admission will be arranged. If the appropriateness for the Primary Support Unit is unclear, a face to face interview with the individual will be required.

Mental Health and Justice Initiative: Short-Term residential Crisis Beds (Partnership program with the Gerstein Crisis Center)

4 Short-term Residential Crisis Beds are avaliable to provide 30 day crisis satys to individuals 18 years or older with a serious mental illness who have or are at significant risk of current involvement with the criminal justice system.

Short-tem Residential Crisis Beds include

30 day stay with 24 hour access to bed and common space located in a seperate unit on the residentail side of the center.
Assistance connecting to housing, income support and othe community resources as needed.
Quiet meal times.
24 hour support and counselling.
Up to 6-month follow-up in the community.

Our 4 downtown beds are part of a larger 16 bed initative that cover the four quadrents of the city.
To refer to this program contact the Central Registry operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association at 416 248 4174.
To contact the Primary Support Unit directly call 416 366 2733 ext. 276

Primary Support Unit Fact Sheet

How Long May I Stay?
The length of stay is based upon the needs of the individual client as determined by the Primary Support Unit team. The general length of stay is 3 weeks.
Client Responsibilities
All admissions into the Primary Support Unit are on a voluntary basis. Although expectations may vary slightly from client to client based on their need or ability, clients must be willing to co-operate with staff and follow the rules as outlined. Faliure to abide by Center rules may result in discharge from the program and center.
Curfew
All Primary Support Unit clients must be present for the bed check. The curfew is 11pm. At this time, the lights are turned off in the dorms. Those who need extended time outside must ask staff prior to curfew time.
Smoking
The center is a smoke free building. Clients must smoke outside the building. Clients who wich to smoke after curfew must ask permission from the Primary Support Unit staff.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours in the Primary Support Unit lounge are from 6pm to 8pm, or as negotiated with the Primary Support Unit staff. All visitors are restricted ti the designated lounge area on the secong floor. Visitors are not allows in the dorm for any reason unless authorized and accompanied by a staff person. The center reserves the right to refuse visitors as deemed necessary.
Storage of Belongings
Clients will be assigned a small locker for use during their stay in the Primary Support Unit. Belongings must be removed at the time of discharge or when they leave. If arrangements are not made with the Primary Support Unit staff all items left behind will be disposed of within 5 days.
Lost or Stolen Items
The Salvation Army Maxwell Meighen Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

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