Thirteen | Transitional Housing by Holistic Hope Foundation
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Our Vision
To create a city where no family is left without a place to call home—where transitional housing is a springboard to healing, dignity, and lasting independence. We envision a Toronto where families in crisis can flourish, not just survive.
Our Mission
- Reducing family homelessness by providing supported transitional housing in collaboration with host families across Toronto
- Empowering families through one-on-one support, life skills, and wellness services
- Aligning with the City of Toronto’s HousingTO Strategy by prioritizing housing stability, social inclusion, and equitable access to community resources
Our Values
Dignity First – Every family deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.
Equity & Access – We eliminate systemic barriers so all families can access safe housing.
Community Rootedness – We believe healing happens in community.
Growth-Oriented – Inspired by the number 13 in Hebrew, we believe all families can flourish.
Holistic Support – We address the full range of family needs—emotional, physical, and financial.
Trauma-Informed & Anti-Oppressive – We center safety, consent, and lived experience in all we do.
About the Thirteen Program
Thirteen is a transitional housing program designed to help families in Toronto move from homelessness or housing insecurity into long-term stability.
Rooted in the spiritual significance of the number thirteen in Hebrew—a number symbolizing growth, transformation, and flourishing—this program is a launchpad for renewal.
The program includes:
Transitional housing placements
Weekly casework and mentorship
Life skills and vocational training
A structured exit plan toward permanent housing
About Thirteen Roses Haven
Thirteen Roses Haven refers to the network of safe, dignified housing spaces across Toronto, where participating families live during the program.
These include:
- Host Family Homes – Local families who offer shared space in their homes, supported by the program
- Transitional Units – Short-term rental units funded directly by the program
Each location provides a peaceful environment for families to breathe, heal, and begin again—whether through shared connection or quiet privacy.
Role of Holistic Hope Foundation
The Holistic Hope Foundation is the core service provider for the Thirteen Program. All family support programming, workshops, and wellness services are coordinated and delivered through their office.
We also refer families to trusted external partners for additional care and support.
Each week, families attend:
One-on-one family case management
Life skills and parenting workshops
Vocational/employment readiness training
Mental health and wellness sessions
Support Services Offered (Sliding Scale Available)
Even families not enrolled in the Thirteen housing program may be eligible to receive services offered by the Holistic Hope Foundation, such as:
Counseling and family mediation
Dentistry and podiatry
Physiotherapy and mental health supports
Immigration assistance
Food bank delivery
Limited daycare and transportation assistance
We welcome all inquiries—if housing isn’t an option, support still is.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for full participation in the Thirteen transitional housing program, families must:
Include at least one child under 18
Not have accessed the Toronto shelter system
Be receiving Ontario Works, and fall within a specific income bracket
Refugee families must have a valid UCI number
Be open to shared living (as not all units are private)
Be willing to attend workshops and engage with casework support weekly
Exit Plan
At the end of their stay (typically 10–16 months), families leave with:
First and last month’s rent secured
Placement into affordable, stable housing
A customized life plan, created with their caseworker, built on new skills, connections, and resources
Commitment to Impact
We are committed to tracking the long-term outcomes of program participants in the areas of:
Housing stability post-exit
Employment readiness and income growth
Child well-being and school connection
Family confidence and self-reported wellness
Become a Host Family
We provide:
Full orientation and training
Ongoing support through our case team
Family confidence and self-reported wellness
You bring the heart. We bring the help
A Safe Space for Healing
Trauma-Informed, Anti-Oppressive Care
Thirteen and the Holistic Hope Foundation are committed to providing trauma-informed care. Many families come to us after experiencing deep disruption, trauma, and systemic barriers.
Every journey is honored at the family’s pace.
We promise to:
Offer safety, dignity, and informed choice
Provide culturally humble, respectful care
Never force participation
Ensure emotional and physical security
FAQ
How are host families selected and supported?
Host families go through a screening process (interview, background check, home visit) and are trained before any placements are made. They also receive ongoing support and supervision from the Holistic Hope Foundation team.
What if a family is not a good fit for their housing placement?
We prioritize compatibility and safety. If a match is not working, mediation is offered and if necessary, we rematch the family to a more suitable environment.
Are the workshops and sessions mandatory?
Yes, core programming is a required part of the Thirteen Program. However, our approach is flexible, trauma-informed, and supportive—participation is adapted to each family’s pace and comfort level.
What happens if a family exits the program early?
We create a transitional safety plan for early exits, connect the family with community supports, and ensure they’re not left without options.
Can families still access services if they’re not eligible for the housing program?
Yes! Many of our wellness offerings are available on a sliding scale to families who need them—even if they don’t qualify for housing. Please reach out.