Once able to live independently, Frederick lost his home after an extended hospital stay to address a physical health concern.
He’d been in the hospital for 128 days when two members of LOFT’s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team (M-DOT) visited him before his discharge.
Introduced in 2006, LOFT’s M-DOT offers intensive transitional outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness or residing in emergency shelters, while simultaneously faced with health, mental health, or substance use challenges.
At LOFT, Frederick was assigned a Personal Support Worker, Afolabi, to help him manage his day-to-day activities, access necessary medication, and assist with cooking and cleaning. “Afolabi is more than a caregiver; he’s like a brother to me. It is very comforting to know I am cared for,” says Frederick.
A year after leaving the hospital, Frederick continues to grapple with mobility challenges. However, with Afolabi’s support, he remains hopeful about maintaining stable housing and managing his physical health concerns.
With LOFT and Afolabi’s support, Frederick has gained essential resources to rebuild his life and prioritize his well-being. Frederick’s increased resilience and confidence highlight the power of compassionate care and accessible support in his journey toward recovery.
A Transformative Collaboration: Extending Support In Toronto’s Transit System
In March 2023, the City of Toronto, TTC, and LOFT Community Services initiated a one-year partnership to expand the M-DOT program to support individuals sheltering in Toronto’s transit system.
Initially hoping to support 80-100 people, the program exceeded expectations. We engaged with 290 individuals over eight months, connecting 145 to comprehensive support services.
The LOFT Approach:
As a dedicated mental health service provider, we work alongside community agencies, hospitals, and long-term care homes to offer expertise and support in addressing mental health, dementia, addictions, and other cognitive and behavioural challenges. Our mission is to ensure that individuals have access to the care they need, when and where they need it most. We work closely with each client to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their unique needs, meeting them where they are at.
Our unique care model targets each person’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. We aim to help our clients achieve optimal health and well-being while connecting them with a supportive community.