The name Dunara is a Gaelic term which means house or fortress on a hill. It was the name given to our residence by the MacKinnon family when they originally built the home in 1898.
Dunara, as it is today, was first conceived by the original members of the Schizophrenia Society of Guelph. This is a nation wide support organization who's local Guelph Chapter was formed in October 1981.
During the first years it was identified that there was a need for a community based program such as Dunara. This need grew out of recognition that there was no suitable housing in the City of Guelph to service the needs of the psychiatric population.
In 1983 they received letters of patent, and in 1985 approval was granted to them as their own charitable organization. In November of 1986 the house at 329 Gordon Street was acquired on a leasing arrangement from the Diocese of Hamilton. Once the provincial funding started to flow from the Ministry of Health we were able to begin renovations on the house during the winter of 1986. Renovations continued through the spring and summer of '87 and on September 16, 1987 we held an official Open House.
On November 23, 1987 we admitted our first Resident into the program and have seen a steady stream of referrals ever since.
Under the direction and supervision of DUNARA staff there is a focus on daily living and the development of life-skills and social interaction.
Dunara is a successful integration of community spirit and dedicated leadership which we hope will continue to flourish.
Dunara operates a psycho-social rehabilitation program for adults who are experiencing chronic psychiatric issues. We provide supportive accommodations for a total of 7 men and women, 18 years of age or older. Supervision is provided 24/7 and preference is given to applicants from Guelph, Wellington, Dufferin and Waterloo Counties. Referrals will be accepted from all mental health agencies and health professionals. Interested individuals apply voluntarily and pay for their living expenses with the program being funded by the Waterloo-Wellington LHIN. Dunara is committed to building personal strengths, coping abilities and fostering an optimum degree of independence through residential life skills and community resources.
Dunara is a partner in the Crisis Respite service for adults in crisis or distress who can be supported safely in a community residential setting. Referrals are made to Sheldon House staff with Waterloo Regional Homes for assessment/assignment to either the 6 bed location in Kitchener or the 2 beds on site at Dunara in Guelph. This service provides a short stay, voluntary, non-medical, safe and supportive environment for people in need of a crisis/respite stay.
Dunara provides intensive support to individuals in Guelph with serious mental health issues who are living in subsidised housing. Through ongoing support and crisis prevention, utilizing the Recovery approach we assist persons to achieve their recovery goals including living as responsible tenants.
Our outreach workers respond to the needs of individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and currently have no ongoing community mental health supports. This support may include crisis support, advocacy, short-term support with referral to longer term supports as needed. Utilizing a pro-active approach individuals receive assistance with practical issues such as budgeting, obtaining ID and other documents, access to income support, health care and other basic necessities.
We come together in order to give and receive support and caring. Meetings are held every Wednesday at Dunara or in the community. The purpose of the group is to share experiences in coping, our knowledge of support systems in a comfortable and supportive environment. We encourage members to participate to the best of their ability with the desire to cope in positive and healthy ways with mental health issues. A calendar is created by the members and includes activities such as monthly bowling, karaoke, walks, picnics, games days, discussions, 'share your talent' days and many other fun and entertaining events. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and social time where you can meet new friends.
Each Friday, a gathering of musicians from Dunara and the community come together for an informal music group. We have a piano and a keyboard synthesizer, hand drums and a large variety of hand instruments. Group members bring instruments to perform while others participate by playing along with the performers or while listening to a CD. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and social time following the group.
Dunara is a registered charity.
Our charity number is
108195900 RR0001
We accept payments through CanadaHelps.org (click the image above) or by personal cheque. Cheques can be made payable to Dunara Homes For Recovery Inc. Income tax receipts will be provided.
~Contact Us~
Contact our Executive Director,
Yvonne Bowes
For Residential, Crisis Respite,
Supportive Housing,
and general inquiries
Please contact our Program Manager,
Tracey Kraemer
~Locate Us~
Parking (limited) is available in the back.
Please follow the walkway to the south entrance.
Additional parking is available on Dean Street.
