The Dream Team
We are a group of psychiatric consumer/survivors. We advocate for more supportive housing for people with mental health and addiction issues and educate against stigma and discrimination.
By telling our personal stories, by conducting and presenting research, and by standing up for human rights, we demonstrate the life altering benefits of supportive housing.
Mission
To work for more quality supportive housing, for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues, and to reduce the barriers in their lives resulting from poverty and stigma; and to do so through public education, research, advocacy and example, utilizing and capitalizing on members personal experience.
Vision
A more equitable society where people with experience of mental health and addiction issues are able to live full, empowered and dignified lives, by having access to supportive housing, appropriate income supports, and a discrimination free environment—for the benefit of society as a whole.
Strategic Priorities
Building new supportive housing.
Ensuring that the tenant’s voice is central in all issues of supportive housing.
Working toward economic justice and inclusion for consumers.
Fighting stigma and promoting Human Rights
Supportive Housing:
Our Dreams Come True
A video featuring some of our current and former members talking about how supportive housing impacted their lives.
Our History
The Dream Team's journey began in 1999, borne out of an independent collective, The Boards For Mental Health Housing, made up of community and family members and people with lived experience with mental health issues. They decided to focus on a specific direction - "to Advocate For More Supportive Housing For People With Mental Health Issues."
The question was how? Linda Chamberlain, a member of the collective, who had experience of mental health issues & homelessness, told her story.
Our independent facilitator, Ginette Goulet said "That's it, each of you will write a story of your experience with supportive housing. You will tell your stories to politicians, community groups, and students.”
The name ‘The Dream Team’ emerged quite organically during one of the first meetings. All Members recognized that they had a common dream: That everyone with a mental health issue would have access to safe, secure, and affordable supportive housing. Hence the name ‘The Dream Team’ was coined.
The Dream Team Timeline