About Us
A registered charity established in February 2007, Ancoura opened its first home in 2009 and has grown to seven residences housing 21 adults living with a chronic mental illness. All current Ancoura residences are three-bedroom townhomes. Residents are supported by resident support workers who visit weekly to monitor their well-being, and by volunteers who organize social events and outings.
Ancoura empowers residents to live meaningful lives in communion with their housemates and the broader community. Distinct from emergency shelters, temporary housing and institutional care facilities, Ancoura is long-term, flexible and personalized — a unique model proven over 18 years.
Ancoura’s model was inspired by L’Abri en Ville, a supportive housing organization in Montreal, Québec, in operation since 1991.
The Ancoura name incorporates three concepts core to what we offer — anchor, heart and courage. Ancoura provides residents with a stable home, a caring environment, and a supportive community that empowers them to grow and flourish.
What Ancoura Provides
Stability and Security
An affordable, long-term home environment in well-equipped homes located in safe neighbourhoods.
Support and Connection
- A compassionate, stigma-free environment offering mental illness management support
- Support that is flexible, responsive and continuous, enabling residents to live and work to their full potential with dignity
- Housemates and volunteers who provide social connection and skills development
- Resident support workers who liaise and collaborate with residents’ care professionals and provide early intervention and peer support when issues arise
Community Impact
- A model of care that ensures every dollar given and every volunteer hour spent have a direct, meaningful impact
- Supportive housing that reduces stress on social services and the justice system
Becoming a Resident
Ancoura accepts self-referrals as well as referrals from families, hospitals or community organizations. The first step is to contact admin@ancoura.ca or call (613) 233-8130 for more information.
Generally, Ancoura considers candidates who are:
- 25 years of age or over and have a good understanding of their mental health issues
- Able to live autonomously with our support
- Willing to live with others
- Receptive to involvement with volunteers
- Willing to participate in social activities
- Connected to a health professional for follow-up
- Motivated to stay on medication
- Not abusing drugs or alcohol, nor have a history of violence