Webinar Summary: Introduction to Supportive Housing in Kingston
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, we hosted the webinar: An Introduction to Supportive Housing in Kingston alongside staff from Tipi Moza and Ryandale, the operators of the new Supportive Housing properties opening this spring. 36 attendees joined the session live.
The webinar began with a presentation from Director of Housing & Social Services, Jayne Hartley who introduced what supportive housing is, where it fits within the broader housing continuum and how residents are selected. Tipi Moza and Ryandale then shared how their programs serve the community.
A recording of these presentations is now available on the City of Kingston’s YouTube: Webinar Recording: Introduction to Supportive Housing in Kingston
Following the presentations, City staff and Operators provided responses to frequently asked questions and answered questions submitted by attendees. The responses to all questions submitted during the webinar are summarized below:
Why is the City investing in Supportive Housing?
Supportive Housing is a Model with demonstrated success across many jurisdictions that allows for more people to work towards independent living. It is in the middle of the housing continuum and has the wrap around support and provides time needed to reduce the risk of falling back into homelessness.
How does this supportive housing support the winddown of the Adelaide Street Shelter?
As many know, the Adelaide Street Shelter was opened as a temporary measure in 2023. The winddown of the Adelaide Street Shelter is tied to the opening of the new Shelter on Sydenham Road and the launch of the new Supportive Housing properties. Together, these new services are replacing the Adelaide Street Shelter and will create more opportunities for progression along the housing continuum. Staff are actively supporting clients of the Adelaide Street Shelter to transition to services that are best aligned with their needs and long-term success.
The winddown of emergency shelter services at Adelaide Street Shelter will be completed by March 31, 2026. This will align with the opening of at least two of the supportive housing sites.
What is the By-Name list and how are people selected to move through the continuum?
The by-name list data helps service managers address homelessness by allowing them to understand the impact of different interventions and make informed decisions to improve service delivery. The By-Name-List is made up of individuals who are precariously housed in a variety of circumstances, from being in shelter to sleeping rough or couch surfing. Everyone on the list has consented to being on the list, and it is how people will be identified for moving into supportive housing. It is about fitting the right person to the right home. It also enables communities to adjust local interventions based on the data collected, ensuring that the resources and support are directed to those who need them most.
What makes for a successful supportive housing property?
With over 28 city funded supportive housing properties already operating successfully in Kingston, the program has demonstrated that it can work well in a wide range of locations. Criteria for choosing locations include diversity of neighbourhoods, properties suitable for 7-8 individuals, budget costs and potential for renovations. Not as long a list of requirements as some may think.
Residents in supportive housing are independent and require less services than lower on the continuum. Individuals are committed to moving forwards according to their goals, and they require less services than individuals who are not as far along the housing continuum.
When selecting properties, there was work across multiple departments including legal, planning and communications with the purchases approved by Council in Fall 2025.
How will the properties be staffed?
There is a 24/7 staffing model at all three properties. This is part of the agreement with the City.
Staffing levels and needs will continue to be reviewed and adjusted as the program moves forward. Staff reductions or additions would be made in consultation with the City and based on the needs of the program.
How can people help?
There is a long list of ways people can help. Ryandale has a volunteer program and can always use support with household items. Even just welcoming individuals into the neighbourhood when they are opening. If you want to know more, you can email info@ryandale.ca for the properties on Palmerston Cres. and Braemar Rd. and awardell@tipimoza.com for the property at Sheila Court.
Donations for household items welcomed
Opportunities to stay connected with operators through email, newsletter or visiting their offices
Volunteer opportunities (screening is required)
Residents will also be volunteering or working in the community
Neighbours can subscribe to Get Involved Kingston to learn more about joining Community Liaison Committee
Who should people contact with questions or concerns?
Can always send an email or knock on the door to speak with staff.
Anytime you have any type of issue, you can email. A phone will be set-up for the specific property.
Do not anticipate any issues. The folks who are moving in are individuals who have done really well in transitional housing. Amazing individuals who just need the opportunity to live somewhere safe and affordable.
Any issues can be shared with operators, and they will be addressed. Staff will be onsite 24/7.
If an issue is not addressed by the operator (which is not anticipated) then contact the City via ContactUs. The City will work with the community and the operators to address any concerns.
To contact the city visit: Contact Us | City of Kingston
What is the timeline?
The opening is tied to the winddown of Emergency Shelter Services at Adelaide Street Shelter on March 31st. Preparing to welcome residents this month at Palmerston Cres and Braemar Rd., prior to March 31.
Sheila Court will be open early April
Will not be rushing to fill beds. Ensure that residents are the right fit and will be successful.
In addition to the questions above, Webinar attendees asked the following Questions:
I experience a lot of restrictions related to eligibility criteria for transitional housing for clients, specifically for clients with a dual diagnosis (mental illness and developmental/intellectual delay). What housing support exists for this population? I think it's important to note that many clients with a dual diagnosis may in fact be highly independently and high functioning, but are excluded from these supports
Ryandale serves individuals who are seeking to maintain sobriety. These individuals have chosen that they want to change their lives. Will support individuals with developmental exceptionalities to some degree. Individuals have to be self-sufficient. Many residents have a dual diagnosis
Tipi Moza residents have to be self-sufficient. Residents needs to be able to commit to being in a dry-house where there are expectations and rules. Once residents have succeeded in transitional housing they help them transition into independent living or supportive housing. These programs are not for everybody. We want to make sure that everyone who we bring into these programs is going to be successful.
Addictions & Mental Health Services (AMHS) supports individuals living with mental health challenges. Home Base Housing (HBH) provides both transitional and supportive. There will be a transitional housing opening on Queen Mary Road operated by HBH to support adults over the age of 55.
How are the supportive housing properties staffed? What are the staffing models?
At Ryandale their existing transitional homes have staff from 9am-5pm. And on-call staffing at night with a number residents can call.
The supportive housing will be staffed 24/7 to start and will adapt accordingly. They are moving residents from transitional into supportive as well as additional individuals from transitional houses. These are individuals who require less support. Starting with 24/7 staffing to ensure a smooth start up. No guests permitted overnight, only allowed 9am-9pm.
Not moving everyone in at once. Will wait until they find the right fit of people.
Tipi has its transitional housing site at 113 Lower Union Street. The new supportive housing will be staffed 24/7. At transitional housing they have staff on call for the times when staff are not there. It is very rare that they get a call. Mostly got calls about locking out of their unit when they first opened. Needs will be reviewed as the program moves forward.
Overall, Ryandale and Tipi Moza have other types of homes, but these homes will be staffed 24/7.
How does one get on the By-Names-List?
Best way is to connect with a service provider
Connect with a worker from one of the providers and they will be added to the By-Name-Lists
Will neighbors be informed if the staffing levels change?
Any changes in staffing levels will be done with the City and will be messaged. It is up to the City as the funder and Service Manager to make that decision and communicate it.
What are the two new properties being opened? can you clarify if these are for men or women?
Tipi Moza’s property will be operating for men. It will be based on signing a self-declaration
Braemar will be for women
Palmerston will be for men
Where are the homes located?
Braemar is near Front Road and Days Road
Palmerston is in the Collins-Bayridge, backing onto Woodbine Rd.
Tipi Moza is on Sheila Court off of highway 15.
What supports are offered by staff? / What is the need for support staff?
Tipi Moza helps residents reconnect with their culture. This program has a cultural coordinator who does cultural teaching, cooking. Other staff help teach life skills. Residents have to participate in a certain amount of programming each week. They also are assigned chores such as cooking dinner, sweeping the hallways, etc. It helps build skills that they never had or lost.
Ryandale does a lot of similar things including classes on how to be good tenants, resume building and signing a lease. They do their best to teach skills to help them stay housed. They have a program call “recycling rodeo” to teach housing skills.
Do residents pay rent?
The supportive housing model is low to medium acuity. There is a requirement that residents pay rent. It can help offset the costs of the operations of the home.
Everybody in a Ryandale home pays an “occupancy fee”. It is rent-geared-to income. Residents receiving Ontario Works (OW) receive a $390 housing benefit, residents who are part of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) receive a $599 housing benefit, residents receiving Canadian Pension Plan payments pay 30% of their cheque with residents who are working also paying 30% of their cheque. Occupancy fees are subject to change based on changes in employment.
Residents are also responsible for purchasing their own food. Encourage residents to cook together for one meal a week. Residents are like a family. They are looking forward to watching a football game together, sitting in the back yard or playing a game. It is about building that community for them.
How can a neighbourhood help?
First thing is do not judge a book by its cover. Come say hello, they are going to be the kindest people you have met. Wave and say hello. We do not know what we need for donations until we get into the home. If you have anything to donation please reach out and if it can be used they will take it.
Community Liaison Committees will be formed for neighbours who want to be involved in these committees. Information will be shared on the City’s Get Involved Kingston site.
Some questions could not be answered within the timeframe of the webinar. The following questions were taken back by staff and are being shared now with relevant responses:
How many of the supportive housing spots are accessible for people using mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs?
The newly opened supportive housing homes are not fully accessible for individuals who use mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. However, the City is actively expanding accessible options. A new supportive housing location for adults 55+, which will be fully accessible, is scheduled to open in mid‑summer 2026. This site is designed specifically to meet accessibility needs and will increase the number of supportive housing spaces available to people who require mobility supports.
How long is the approved funding for these programs. What happens if funding is not continued in the future?
Agreements with operators are in place for three years. If funding were not continued, which would run counter to Council’s Strategic Priorities and Direction, the use of the property would be revisited.
What is the average city cost per resident per year for this program?
Average costs per resident vary, as residents pay an occupancy fee which is generally 30% of their income or the maximum shelter portion of their Ontario Works or Ontario Disability benefits. Costs per resident vary based on their support service need and based on supportive housing operating budgets approved through the 2026 budget process.
If a resident is found to not be a good fit, do staff move the individual to another residence to ensure the person doesn't become homeless within the neighborhood?
If a resident is not successful in the housing provided by the operators, they will be connected with other services to support their needs. Individuals remain on the By-Name-List until they achieve long-term housing.
Why are the supportive housing homes staffed 24/7 but the transitional housing homes are not when the clients at the transitional home are supposedly higher acuity?
As funder of these Supportive housing properties, the City determines the level of staffing required. Increased staffing at these sites will create more opportunity for residents to build life skills, strengthen community connections, pursue employment, and enhance community integration. While transitional housing focuses primarily on stabilization, supportive housing places additional emphasis on skill building and preparing individuals for independent living and housing support, both areas where staff play key role in supporting residents.
Was proximity to public and catholic schools considered when determining a location for these homes?
As mentioned during the Webinar and on property FAQ pages, criteria for choosing locations include diversity of neighbourhoods, properties suitable for 7-8 individuals, budget costs and potential for renovations. Proximity to schools is not a consideration given the low risk of Supportive Housing. Transitional Housing and Supportive Housing operates across the City including in proximity to parks and schools. Restrictions on where Supportive Housing can be located would further risk infringing on human rights by limiting where individuals can live.
What will happen to the programs and workers at Adelaide Shelter as it closes?
As mentioned, the winddown of the Adelaide Street Shelter is tied to the opening of the new Shelter on Sydenham Road and the launch of the new Supportive Housing properties. The Adelaide Street Shelter was a temporary measure and notice of the winddown date of emergency shelter services has been known since Spring of 2025. Both the new shelter and new supportive housing sites both offer their own dedicated programming tailored to the needs of their residents. For a list of the homelessness programming that receives support from the City, visit: Homelessness Services | City of Kingston
Advice on where someone should go for shelter while on a waitlist. Are there options that encourages sobriety?
Visit Homelessness Services | City of Kingston for the list of available services. By connecting to shelter, individuals can also get connected to addictions and mental health support.
Do the residents have a curfew?
There is no curfew, however, residents are expected to observe quiet hours and be respectful of noise levels at all times. Continued breach of quiet hours or program expectations may ultimately result in removal from the program.
What are the sobriety requirements of the residents and how is that verified?
Only individuals demonstrating stability and readiness are placed in supportive housing. Please visit the Get Involved Kingston page for each Supportive Housing property to learn about the specific requirements.
How many residents at each location?
There will be a maximum of 8 residents at 1056 Palmerston Cres.; a maximum of 8 residents at 407 Sheila Court; and a maximum of 7 residents at 167 Braemar Road.
Is there an appetite to partner with a group that owns a building that the city does not own? Under similar criteria as you listed for selection?
Yes, there are existing local groups who lease space to supportive or transitional housing operators. For example, one of Ryandale’s transitional housing properties is leased from St. Andrew’s Church.
Updates on the City’s Emergency Housing Responses will continue to be shared on Get Involved Kingston and emailed to project subscribers.
