Calm H.O.M.E.S
(Calm, Healthy, Organized, Manageable, Educated, Spaces)
Clutter/Mental Health Pilot Program
Round One Launching on March 17th, 2025

This pilot program aims to support low-income families across Simcoe County to access physical, behavioural, and mental health supports to declutter their homes, get the tools needed to increase home safety and housing stability, as well as sustain lifelong change.

 

Participants will:

• Have dedicated times with a mental health professional and trained volunteer for the whole family to be involved in gradually tackling areas of the residence in manageable steps with small homework assignments throughout the program (i.e.: sorted into piles of keep, give away, throw away, and not ready to decide yet, etc.).

• Engage in mental health and behaviour counselling and education in regular private and group sessions, to address the underlying thoughts and feelings raised through the process. This mental health support will provide valuable opportunities to explore contributing factors and address any barriers to sustainable positive changes including associated anxiety, stress, or guilt related to their home.

• Be provided with practical supports including:

  • education

  • skill development

  • cleaning and organization supplies

  • professional disposal service

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ROUND ONE APPLICATIONS

Those who participated in one of our focus groups will be invited to apply to be a part of the first round of our pilot program. 

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PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

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Orientation: All successful applicants will be required to attend a mandatory in-person program orientation session that will provide more information as well as an opportunity for participants to ask questions and become comfortable with the program process. Participants will also be asked to complete a survey at the beginning and end of the program to support future learning for the program.  

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Program Agreement: Before beginning the program, participants will be required to complete a program agreement which outlines participant responsibilities throughout the program. This includes required attendance, cancellation policies, communication, and overall commitment to engaging in the program.

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Workshops: Participants will engage in five workshops to support the development of their skills toward creating and maintaining a clean, organized, and comfortable home. All participants are encouraged to attend all sessions and are required to attend a minimum of four sessions to complete the program. If you require technology, childminding and/or transportation support, please feel free to contact our team at the e-mail below. Please see the following schedule for all workshops:

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• Session #1: 

  • March 17th, 2025 from 6:00-7:30 pm, Hillcrest Public School

• Session #2: 

  • March 31st, 2025 from 7:30-9:00 pm, Virtual via Zoom

• Session #3: 

  • April 14th, 2025 from 7:30-9:00 pm, Virtual via Zoom

• Session #4: 

  • May 12th, 2025 from 7:30-9:00 pm, Virtual via Zoom

• Session #5: 

  • May 26th, 2025 from 6-7:30 pm, Hillcrest Public School

Group Connection: Following each workshop, participants will join together in a group engagement session led by an Occupational Therapist to explore themes related to their mental health throughout their program journey. These discussions will be facilitated in a safe and confidential space and will provide meaningful education as well as peer support. All participants are encouraged to attend all sessions and are required to attend a minimum of four sessions to complete the program. 

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Home Sessions: Participants will engage in a total of five home sessions with a pair of trained program volunteers to guide families through decluttering, cleaning and organization of their home. This will include learning about each family’s circumstances, assessing their unique needs and making a plan with goals that are meaningful and sustainable. To reschedule or cancel sessions, please provide at least 24 hours notice to sarah@glowingheartscharity.org. and our team will work with you to arrange a new session within two weeks.

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Individual and Family Counselling Sessions: Mental health support sessions will be available for all participants throughout the program with the Reflection Centre.

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Junk Removal and Supplies: During the sixth week of the program, participants will have access to a junk removal service that will be coordinated and arranged by the program. Volunteers will guide participants in preparation for this service. Cleaning and organization supplies will be provided to participants throughout the program and will be provided during home sessions. 

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Volunteer Role: Program volunteers will work alongside participants through collaborative planning and guidance using a respectful, non-judgmental, and solution-focused approach. They will provide “body doubling”, where someone works alongside you as you tackle tasks to declutter your home. Their presence helps you stay focused, motivated, and accountable. In-home decluttering programs, a "body double" provides encouragement and a calm, non-judgmental presence. They don't do the decluttering but help create a supportive environment where participants feel more comfortable and productive.

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Contact: If you have any questions regarding the program or require support with the application please contact sarah@glowingheartscharity.org.