Help us Shape the Future of Delta
Who are we?
We are Delta residents who want to inspire you. Some of us are parents of an adult with an intellectual disability. We wonder where they will live in the future when we can no longer care for them. Some of us are seniors who live in Delta as renters. We worry that market rates will force us to leave the community that we love. Some of us are friends who know about the struggles. Some of us are visionaries who want to make Delta a welcoming, inclusive community. Download Housing Central’s Community Toolkit to learn about possibilities for Delta.
How can you help?
Are you a caregiver?
Are you a parent or caregiver? Are you worried about the future and what will happen when you are no longer able to care or provide a home for your loved one? Please help us network and build collaborative relationships. Our aim is to broaden opportunities for housing initiatives that expand the range of housing models. Become a member so that your concerns are heard.
Are you looking for affordable, stable rental housing?
We understand how hard it is for low income seniors to find rental accommodations in Delta. This is your community. Your experiences and opinions are important to us. We need your voice.
Do you work in the construction industry?
You are in a unique position to create affordable living spaces for people in Delta. Please let us tell you about the needs.
Are you part of a community agency or group?
You probably know some families and individuals who are struggling to find appropriate housing and supports. We welcome your advice and involvement.
Are you a visionary?
We need your passion and drive to help us make Delta a welcoming, inclusive community. We are looking for people with expertise in accounting, technology, and community planning to join our executive board.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Inclusive housing is based on a vision that allows people with disabilities to live a good life in a welcoming community. Inclusive housing allows people with diverse needs to have a choice in where they live. Congregated, segregated and institutional settings are not considered inclusive housing because the individuals are not integrated into a neighbourhood. Ideally, inclusive housing looks similar to the type of housing we are familiar with in residential neighbourhoods. Apartment buildings and secondary suites are examples. Inclusive housing needs to be affordable, welcoming, close to community amenities and physically accessible. Individuals need opportunities for employment, volunteerism, recreation and social events.
With support and a welcoming community, many of these people can live in regular neighbourhoods. For eligible individuals, Community Living BC (CLBC) and other agencies provide funding for supports and services. The following concepts help to define inclusive housing.
- Choice and Control: Choice and control over living space is fundamental to the concept of home and quality of life.
- Accessibility: Housing must meet basic requirements that give people access to both their homes and to their community.
- Ratio of people with and without disabilities: Inclusion is not defined by a hard ratio and is dependent on the size of the development, the neighbourhood it is located in, and how opportunities for inclusion are built in and created.
- Diversity: Individuals have a wide range of interests, preferences, disability- related support needs and backgrounds.
- Sustainability: Housing needs to provide stability and a sense of permanency to individuals and be amenable to supports being provided in a quality and cost-effective manner.
A: Currently adults with intellectual disabilities either live at home with aging parents or live in a home share. Many of these adults long for an apartment or suite of their own. If we start now, a broader spectrum of inclusive housing options will be available in 5 to 10 years.
Inclusive housing is the responsibility of collaborative, strategic planning with non-profit housing providers, community living agencies, developers, community living sectors, all three levels of government, federal, provincial and municipal. Families and individuals also are responsible for advocating for housing needs. It takes a village to create a vibrant inclusive community.
