If you have not included those with Developmental Disabilities (DD) in your housing plans, are you inclusive?

Did you know ?

  • 18%-30% of those in homeless shelters have a DD
  • As of June 2024 only 890 of target of at least 2,400 housing units have been committed for people with developmental disabilities as part of CMHC National Housing Strategy
  • In Ontario alone the projected wait for affordable supportive housing is over 40 years

We Need to Do Better

Contact the Intentional Community Consortium to learn how

Reena 

Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.

Driving Change to Meet Growing Needs

Intentional Community Consortium

Finding solutions to the deeply-affordable housing crisis faced by individuals with diverse abilities, focusing on housing, support services and community engagement.

 

DS agencies who are considering building – contact ICC

Amplify the message to your social media

“Include Developmental Disabilities in Housing Plans”

@Reenafoundation @CHRA_ACHRU @KeshReport

#Inclusion #Developmental #Disabilities #Homelessness

Why This is Important:

The Call to Action for Developers: Substantial CMHC and government incentives are available for developers who include housing for individuals with developmental disabilities in their projects. These incentives benefit your development and provide critical support to an underserved population.

What to Consider in Your Next Build:

  • Care Occupancy StandardsHousing designed for individuals with developmental disabilities must meet Care Occupancy standards to provide appropriate long-term support.
  • Space for People and Equipment: Plan for spaces that accommodate personal support services and specialized equipment necessary for residents with developmental disabilities.
  • Effective Data-Driven Planning: Planning for these populations becomes ineffective without collecting and utilizing the right data. Build your projects based on accurate, targeted data for the best outcomes.

 

 

 

Next Steps

  1. Developers: Partner with organizations like Reena to include units specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities in your next project. Leverage the government incentives available to you.
  1. Community Leaders: Ensure individuals with developmental disabilities are part of your housing and homelessness conversations. Take action by integrating their needs into your community’s plans.
  1. Marketers and Advocates: Spread awareness of the importance of including developmental disabilities in housing plans by sharing your support on social media. Use hashtags like #Inclusion, #Developmental, #Disabilities, #Homelessness to amplify the message.

We Need to Do Better

Seek out local developmental service agencies: Collaborate with organizations like Reena to better understand the housing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

Include developmental disabilities in your marketing: Ensure your outreach includes this population to drive inclusivity and create awareness.

Tour of the Lou Fruitman Reena Residence