Community LAMDA

About LAMDA

LAMDA buildings are owned by Calgary Housing Company, and services are partially funded by Alberta Health Services.

Tenants receive support from two Independent Living Support workers (ILS workers). Community LAMDA is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors which meets every two months.  

LAMDA requires a referral form to be filled out and submitted to LAMDA by the case manager.

Mandate

• To provide support services in affordable housing to adult consumers with chronic mental illness, particularly those afflicted with schizophrenia.

Vision and Goals

• To increase the level of independence and self esteem of people living with mental illness by providing services that will strengthen their natural support network, including family and friends.

• To create community awareness and continue to educate the community through daily contacts between neighbours and the community at large, and by providing an environment that fosters friendship and pleasant social interaction.

Other Items of Notice

• Language: English
• Accessibility: Bus routes available
• Service Fee: Rent is 30% of tenant’s income, plus utilities
• Time Limit: No limitations
• Wait Days: (We have no record at present)

List of Community LAMDA Board members (as of February 2011)

Services

• Tenants receive support from two staff members, who are Independent Living Support workers (ILS workers)

• The ISL workers at both locations work Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings for activities. Support workers offer social, leisure, educational and skill development activities. Various activities help tenants develop and maintain some routine skills, such as meal planning, grocery shopping, household maintenance, money management, transportation, personal hygiene, goal setting and evaluation, and taking care of one’s health. They also provide some administrative assistance, facilitate leisure and community activities.

• Services are provided on an individual basis and in group settings. Services include supportive counselling, advocacy, and liaison with mental health case managers.

• Tenants’ general meetings are held monthly, to discuss and suggest activities of interest.

• Calgary Housing Company owns the buildings and is responsible for the building operations and rent. LAMDA staff members communicate with Calgary Housing on an ongoing basis regarding consumer concerns, rent review forms, apartment inspections and maintenance concerns.

In addition, LAMDA staff members provide the following support:

• Work directly on ongoing basis with the tenants’ case managers, support teams and families.  Case managers come from multiple sources that include the Alberta Health Services Mental Health Clinics, Day Programs and Hospitals. 

• Communicate with AISH workers on an ongoing basis regarding financial concerns and AISH review forms.

• Are involved with the interagency meetings and Community Rounds on ongoing basis.

• Support consumers’ involvement at Schizophrenia Society, Potential Place, Calgary Association of Self Help and Canadian Mental Health Association.

• Provide tours and presentations regarding the services that LAMDA provides to all interested.