Natural Helpers Program

Giving community members a fishing rod!

What is the Natural Helpers Program?

The Natural Helpers program is a program that attempts to tackle the housing crisis by capacitating what may be called Natural Helpers in society. The program is based on the philosophy that a less intrusive way of dealing with homelessness for those actively wanting to seek help, is by reintegrating them into traditional neighborhoods through community enlistment with a financial incentive and family support. Based on evidence, it therefore seeks to connect those who need a home with family and resources.

Who are the Natural Helpers?

Natural Helpers are members of the community who are well positioned to support, assist, and house those who need it, while providing the necessary oversight and community for improved behavior and steady routines. Natural Helpers are capacitated through training, support groups, funding, and an allowance to fulfil this role in their community. They are able to have program members either move into vacant rooms within their existing primary or secondary dwelling or backyard suite, or are looking for accommodation themselves and wanting to live as the host with 3 or 4 program members.

Natural Helpers are identified through mainly church networks but would ideally have the following qualities:

  • are strong Christians and have experience in care, education, medical services, and/or have experience with those with special needs;

  • have empty rooms in their house or a backyard suite that can be rented out, or are willing to move into a house to look after others;  

  • identify with or have an understanding of the struggles faced by those who are housing insecure and have ;

  • willing to take part in occasional training in psychological first aid, first aid, non-violent crisis intervention, and food safety;

  • willing to take a basic psychological evaluation; and 

  • willing to take a vulnerable sector police check along with any family members who live with them.

Who Benefits?

The following vulnerable members of society are beneficiaries of the program:

  • adults with neurodevelopmental challenges;

  • adults with weak adaptive behaviors; 

  • single parents;

  • those with occupational stress injuries; and

  • those on minimum wage and falling into homelessness or being displaced.

Low rents will be paid to the Host. Rents are not necessarily capped and a means test will be taken to determine a fair amount for rent, but generally residents can expect to pay less than 30% of gross monthly income on their rent. Residents would pay slightly more for board and lodging, but individualized care can be discussed directly with hosts.

Advantages of the Natural Helpers Program

  • Adopts preventative measures to homelessness through early intervention and individualized, relational support and care.

  • Host model keeps people in their houses.

  • Hosts are incentivized through aging-in-place.

  • The rent agreements assist the home host to pay their mortgage, thereby keeping them housed.

  • Avoids some of the negative impacts of living in congregate settings.

  • Fills up empty bedrooms.

  • Sharing with others creates better food security because of economies of scale.

If you are interested in participating as a Natural Helper or are looking to become a resident please contact us now!