Supportive Housing: Balwin Place

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About the Program

One of three Supportive Housing (SH) Programs that the George Spady Society offers in Edmonton and area, Balwin Place program is a 4-story, 25-unit building operating in northeast Edmonton in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS). An elevator and a number of low barrier suites enable the site to accommodate some individuals with reduced mobility.

Balwin Place provides a safe managed environment for all genders who require significant permanent supports to maintain their independence in the community. The program operates from a wellness recovery perspective and provides residents with the skills and knowledge required in tenancy. Case Coordinators and AHS provide integrated case management services to enhance individuals’ health. In addition, Balwin Place offers fulltime onsite clinical support through the AHS team.

A recovery lens is crucial because it helps individuals view their journey through a perspective of growth, healing, and self-improvement. It embraces all pathways to recovery and encourages individuals to set structured goals that provide direction and motivation, making long-term wellness both attainable and sustainable through supports that include the following:

  • Supporting program participants in finding purpose

  • Teaching and developing coping strategies

  • Engaging participants in meaningful life activities

  • Case Management that helps build healthy habits and lifestyle

  • Building a participant support network

Services Available

All residents have individualized care plans in consultation with Case Managers as well as the AHS Housing Outreach and Stabilization Team (HOST). Intervention is not time limited so residents can receive long term support. Service priorities at Balwin Place are:

  • Housing stability

  • Quality of life improvement

  • Connection to mainstream activity

  • Meaningful daily activity

  • Individual and community safety

Referrals

Referrals to Balwin Place come from various sources including Homeward Trust Edmonton, inner-city agencies and shelters, and institutions such as hospitals and correctional facilities are comprehensively screened and assessed:

All applications for residence in permanent supportive housing are screened to ensure applicants meet eligibility requirements. Following the initial application screen, a multidisciplinary team will review the applications to determine:

  1. If the applicant requires further tests to determine level of support

  2. If the applicant’s needs match the services offered

  3. Appropriate community resources and supports for the applicant if permanent supportive housing services are not appropriate

See the Balwin Place: Good Neighbor Commitment.

Contact the Balwin Place Program

For Site Questions:
587.635.0468 (24 Hours)

For Referral Information:
Senior Manager – Balwin Place Supportive Housing Program & Health Support Team
Tara Sobey
780.292.5794
tsobey@gspady.ab.ca