The Tony Di Pede Residence

The Tony Di Pede Residence opened in September, 2008. It’s a 112 unit apartment building, consisting of bachelor, one bedroom, and two bedroom units.

Fifty-six of these units are for frail seniors. The other 56 are for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including an 11 unit transitional housing cluster.

Residents are integrated on each floor, except for the 11 room transitional housing cluster.

The vision is the creation of a safe, supportive environment of acceptance and tolerance for all residents of the building.

The building is owned by Wellesley Central Residences Inc., which is the landlord. WoodGreen Community Services, as property manager, acts as the landlord’s agent.

Supportive housing services are provided by Fife House and WoodGreen 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, providing personal support, homemaking and coordination services.

The Transitional Housing Program

As 97% of the Fife House waiting list applicants are homeless, having transitional housing units is an important part of Fife House’s services. Transitional housing provides a secure and supportive environment in which to assess the clients’ needs and to determine the best course of action regarding permanent housing, medical care and access to social services. The 11-room cluster is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering intense case management services. Life skills development addresses nutrition, housekeeping chores and setting up and keeping appointments, thereby ensuring future success when clients leave the program and move to a permanent residence.

Amenities

The building includes a roof-top healing garden with an adjacent amenities room and kitchen area, a community kitchen, a large function room, a wellness centre and a communal lounge area.

A laundry room is located on the ground floor.

Apartments are all wired for cable and internet service and a limited number of lockers are available for tenant storage.

There is a small patio at the back of the building and a public park adjacent to the property. Bicycle parking and a Wheel-Trans drop-off/pick up area have been accommodated.

The location provides easy access to grocery shopping, a community centre, library, drug store and medical services in the immediate neighbourhood. Public transit is literally at the doorstep with entertainment, shopping and specialized services within walking distance.

Security and Staffing

Similar to most apartment buildings, there is a security camera and door entry system in the lobby of the building. There are no on-site security guards. Access to the healing garden, community kitchen, communal lounge area, etc. is via pass key and/or swipe cards, and may depend on the time of day.

Fife House and WoodGreen each have on-site resident support staff to provide services to their respective residents. Both agencies provide 2 staff — each working 8-hour shifts on a 24/7 basis.

Though WoodGreen and Fife House staff typically work exclusively with their own residents, the two agencies collaborate when they have a mutual client (i.e. a person living with HIV/AIDS who is also a senior; therefore, requiring services from both agencies) and in cases of emergency.