Apr 8th, 2025
Team Spotlight: Tenancy Support Workers are here to help
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Tenancy Support Workers (TSWs) help tenants stay housed and connect with services that support their housing stability and overall well-being.
Their work touches many areas of OCH. They help vulnerable residents who may be facing challenges with mental health, physical limitations or conflicts with neighbours. At the core of their role is building trust and providing support.
A TSW in Action
One of our partners recently shared a story about the impact of a TSW’s work.
A tenant was at risk of losing their home due to conflicts caused by guests. Here’s what the partner had to say about the work the TSW did in that case.
“Unless you see it for yourself, it can be difficult to recognize the intangible human skills required to build this relationship and to help a tenant make the right decisions.”
“The TSW empowered the tenant to take immediate action to remove potentially problematic guests from her home. This not only addressed an immediate concern but also contributed to strengthening the tenant’s ability to manage her living situation independently in the future.”
Through this support, the tenant gained a better understanding of their rights as a tenant, the impact of their choices on neighbours, and how their tenancy connects to their recovery and safety goals. The TSW helped the tenant build the confidence to navigate future challenges independently.
“They demonstrated sensitivity to the complex needs and challenges of the tenant. They created a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment, emphasizing the tenant’s rights and responsibilities, while also providing much needed guidance for potential success. Their ability to connect with the tenant in a kind, honest, and respectful manner was noticeable to all.”
This moment, shared by a partner agency, perfectly captures the value TSWs bring and the difference they make every day.
How a TSW can help you:
- Support handling your annual review
- Support navigating pest issues
- Connecting you to community resources
You can reach your TSW by calling our 24/7 Call Centre at 613-731-1182.