| Delta Housing Be Mine SocietyNetworking for Housing Solutions in Delta |
Advocacy and Public Policy for Inclusive Housing Solutions |
What is inclusive housing?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 ControlChoice and control over living space is fundamental to the concept of home and quality of life. AccessibilityHousing must meet basic requirements that give people access to both their homes and to their community. Ratio of people with and without disabilitiesInclusion 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. DiversityIndividuals have a wide range of interests, preferences, disability- related support needs and backgrounds. SustainabilityHousing 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. |
When will inclusive housing be available in Delta?Long Term PlanningIf we start now, a broader spectrum of inclusive housing options will be available in 5 to 10 years. Who is responsible for creating affordable inclusive housing?There is no single organization responsible for creating affordable inclusive housing. Collaborative, strategic planning is the key. GovernmentAll three levels of government, namely federal, provincial and municipal government, are called to provide leadership and funding for inclusive housing. Local Businesses and AgenciesDevelopers, non-profit housing providers, service providers and community living agencies are called to collaborate with government in providing a timely response to the housing needs in the community. Families and IndividualsAll of us are called to advocate for a vibrant, inclusive community where people have the opportunity to live close to their family and friends throughout their lifespan. |
documents you can download
Documents at the Federal Level
Government of Canada. Canada's National Housing Strategy: A Place to Call Home
Senior Cohousing Canada. Innovations in Senior Housing
Documents at the Provincial LevelAutism Society Alberta. Who Will Take Care of our Kids When We No Longer Can? The Challenges Facing Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Aging Parents, March 2017. BC Rental Housing Coalition. An Affordable Housing Plan for BC: Make Housing Central Community Living BC and Inclusion BC Inclusive Housing Task Force. Home is Where our Story Begins: A Plan to Increase Inclusive Housing in BC, Nov 2018. Community Living BC. Help Build the Future of Inclusive Housing, 2016. Housing Central, Cooperative Housing Federation of BC and BC Non-profit Housing Association. Make Housing Central 2018: BC Municipal Election Campaign Community Guide District of Delta, 2018. Housing Central, Cooperative Housing Federation of BC and BC Non-profit Housing Association. Municipal Toolbox Poster, 2018 Resonance Consulting. Future of BC Housing: A Study of Buyer and Renter Sentiment in British Columbia, 2017. |
Documents at the Municipal Level
Cedar Park Church. Delta's Housing Affordability Crisis: Summary Report for a Community Forum, Aug 2017.
City of North Vancouver. Housing Action Plan
Delta Housing Be Mine Society. Delta Housing Need & Demand Study: Affordable, Inclusive Housing Options for Adults with Diverse Abilities. 2018
Delta Housing Be Mine Society. Delta Housing Be Mine Survey Report 2016: On Housing Needs for Individuals Living with Intellectual Disabilities, 2016.
Semiahmoo House Society for Chorus Apartments in White Rock. Portable/Private Market Rent Supplements for People with Developmental Disabilities