For many parents of children with intellectual disabilities, one question often sits just below the surface:

What will my child’s life look like when I’m no longer there to support them every day?

It’s a question that can carry a lot of weight. And with it often comes stress, uncertainty, and concern about whether your child will be safe, supported, and happy. These feelings are completely valid. We’ve had them too.

In our previous blog posts, we’ve shared practical steps to help reduce some of these stresses by exploring different housing options, identifying support people beyond parents, and building independent living skills. 

But there’s another side of this journey that doesn’t always get talked about enough.

The joy.

When you’re in the early stages of planning, it’s easy to focus on everything that could go wrong. But what we’ve seen, both with our own children and within our community, is that living as independently as possible can open the door to moments of real pride, confidence, and happiness.

We’ve had 12 of our members move into their own homes so we asked them directly: 

What do you like most about living on your own?

Their answers were a powerful reminder of why this work matters. For many adults with intellectual disabilities, independence isn’t defined by big milestones, it’s found in the everyday moments that most of us take for granted.

Here’s what our members shared about the joys of living on their own:

• “I like being able to have my own space.”

• “[I like] doing things like my own laundry, cleaning, and cooking.”

• “I can do what I want with my friends.”

• “I don’t have to spend hours organizing plans because we all live in the same building.”

• “Watching my own TV with my own cup of coffee.”

• “Independence.”

These moments might seem small, but together they represent something much bigger: choice, autonomy, and a sense of home.

This is a question many of us have quietly carried for years.

It’s the question we asked ourselves as our children were growing up. And it’s the question that ultimately led to the creation of Delta Housing Be Mine Society.

Behind the scenes of this organization, we are a group of parents, just like you, that want to see housing in Delta better reflect the diverse needs of adults with intellectual disabilities. Adults like our own children. Many of whom have now taken the step into living in their own homes.

If you’re a parent to a child with intellectual disabilities, we know what you’re going through because we’ve been there. Thinking about a future where you won’t be able to support them the way you do now can feel daunting and, simply put, terrifying. And planning for that future can feel overwhelming. How do you even know where to start? 

While every journey is different, we’ve learned that getting started is often the hardest part.

So, if you’re a parent of someone with intellectual disabilities, we hope this guide gives you a few practical, manageable steps to begin preparing your loved one for a future of living as independently as possible.

Take a Skills Snapshot

A helpful first step is to understand where your loved one is today. Think about the skills involved in daily living, such as:

• Doing laundry 
• Washing dishes
• Grocery shopping
• Making food
• Personal hygiene routines 
• Basic first aid 
• Navigating the neighbourhood 

Some families find it helpful to break these skills down even further. For example, grocery shopping includes noticing what food you need → making a list → getting to the grocery store → shopping → and putting the groceries away. The more detail you include in your list, the easier it becomes to identify strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve included a comprehensive checklist from the Key to Home Housing Plan at the end of this post.

Identify the Skills Gaps

Once you have a full list of required skills, assess how independently your loved one with an intellectual disability can complete each task. Can they do the task completely on their own, independently if following written or visual instructions, or only when they have support? 

Using a simple scale can help you prioritize what to focus on next. You may want to start with the skills that require the least learning – perhaps moving from following written or visual instructions to doing the task completely independently. Or, you may want to start with the skills that currently require a lot of support. 

Make a Plan

The list may feel daunting at first and, if it does, that’s okay. Start by choosing 1-2 skills from the list and work on those together. If you know prompting pictures help, create prompting pictures to build a new skill. Or maybe you want to implement one cooking night per week to get your loved one comfortable in the kitchen. The key to success is making a plan that is clear, actionable, and attainable. Small wins build over time into lasting progress. 

Track Progress & Make it Visual

Progress isn’t always linear. Some days will feel like big steps forward, while others may feel like setbacks. Making the process visual, and tracking progress, can help keep everyone motivated and able to see the progress over time. Whether it’s a checklist, a chart, or a simple tracking system, find a way to celebrate growth along the way.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Planning for your child’s future can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.

There is a community of families who understand what you’re navigating—because they’re navigating it too. Connecting with others can provide not only practical guidance, but also reassurance and support.

If you’re looking to be part of a community that advocates for inclusive housing and shares your vision for the future, we invite you to consider joining Delta Housing Be Mine Society at https://deltahbms.com/join-us.

There’s no perfect time to begin planning. But starting early with small, everyday steps can make a meaningful difference over time.

Independent Living Skills Checklist 

Use this checklist to understand where your loved one is today and which skills you need to work on to prepare them for living in their own home. 

I can:	By myself	With pictures or written steps	With a little support	With a lot of support
Create meal plans
Grocery shop
Put groceries away
Cook
Clean up after cooking
Wash and put away dishes
Get up in the morning
Do my personal hygiene routine
Get dressed
Make a lunch
Get to my work or daily activity and back home
Use public transportation
Spend time in my home hanging out
Get ready for bed
Lock doors and windows
Go to bed
Stay asleep
Clean my house (counters, floors, etc)
Do laundry
Take my medication
Do basic first aid
Phone my supporters
Call 911
Get to know neighbours
Get to know my neighborhood
Stay in touch with friends and family
Arrange to meet friends and family
Pay my bills
Manage my bank account
Manage my time
Change a light bulb
Check my smoke alarm
Other

Learn more and download the “Learning to Live in My Own Home” checklist at https://deltahbms.com/Finding-A-Home. 

For an adult with intellectual disabilities, finding the right place to live is about more than just housing, it’s about creating a home that supports living as independently as possible, while feeling safe, connected, and supported.

At Delta Housing Be Mine Society, we understand how to plan to move out of home - in fact, 12 DHBMS members did it not long ago -  and we know it can feel overwhelming. There are many options to consider, and every individual has unique needs, preferences, and goals.

The good news? There’s no one “right” path. Inclusive housing is about finding what works best for each person—and that can look very different from one individual to the next.

This guide is designed to introduce a range of inclusive housing options and help you start thinking about what might be the right fit for you or your loved one.

What Is Inclusive Housing?

Inclusive housing means creating living arrangements that are flexible, supportive, and adaptable. For an adult with intellectual disabilities, this could mean:

• Having access to the right level of support

• Living in a community where they feel included

• Building independence at their own pace

• Choosing a home that reflects their preferences and lifestyle

Exploring Inclusive Housing Options

There are many different ways to approach housing. Below are some of the most common options to consider as you begin planning.

Rental Options

Renting can be a flexible and accessible way to begin living as independently as possible and a starting point for those exploring independence, especially when combined with the right supports. Renting options may include:

• A suite in a relative’s home which offers independence while staying close to family support, or

• A rental unit, such as an apartment, basement suite, or house in the community

Room and Board

Room and board provides a more structured and supportive environment, which may be helpful for individuals who benefit from consistent daily support. This option typically includes both housing and meals and can take place in a relative’s home or someone else’s home.

Shared Living

Shared living focuses on integrating support into a home environment.Shared living can offer a balance between independence and day-to-day support, often fostering strong, meaningful relationships. There are two main Shared Living Models: 

• Live-in caregiver model – A support person lives in the individual’s home

• Home sharing model – The individual lives in the support person’s home

Home Ownership

For some families, home ownership is part of a long-term plan for stability and security. Home ownership can provide greater control and long-term planning opportunities, but it often requires careful financial and legal consideration.

Options may include:

• Owning a house, condominium, or mobile home

• Ownership by a parent, sibling, or family member

• Shared ownership with others

Living with Roommates

Living with others can support both independence and community-building, while also sharing living costs. Whether living with one roommate or many, this option also offers the day to day companionship that your loved ones are used to with living at home.

Other Housing Options

There are also alternative models that may be a good fit depending on availability and preference. These options often emphasize affordability, inclusion, and community connection. 

• Subsidized housing – Through BC Housing or other organizations

• Housing co-operatives – Where members share responsibility and decision-making

• Cohousing communities – Where individuals have private homes but share common spaces

How to Choose the Right Path for Your Loved One

Exploring housing options is an important step toward living as independently as possible. It’s okay if the process takes time, and it’s okay to try different options along the way. When thinking about how to plan to move out of home, it can help to start with a few key questions:

• What level of independence feels right?

• What kind of support is needed day-to-day?

• What type of living environment feels most comfortable?

• What financial resources are available?

Understanding your family’s resources and options is the best way to build a plan all together; one that goes beyond just moving out and focuses on living as independently as possible with the right supports, and community, in place for the long term. 

Which housing options have you considered as your top choices?

For any adult with intellectual disabilities, the journey toward living as independently as possible is both exciting and meaningful. Moving out of home is a big step and, like any big life change, it’s easier and more successful with thoughtful planning and the right support system in place.

If you’re wondering where to start when planning to move out of home, one of the most helpful and empowering tools to start with is something called a Relationship Circle.

What Is a Relationship Circle?

A Relationship Circle is a simple but powerful way to map out the people and supports in your life. It includes friends, family members, and organizations that can support you in different ways as you move toward living more independently.

Identifying the people and organizations in your Relationship Circle is about connection, community, and making sure you feel supported, safe, and included in your new home.

Your Relationship Circle can help answer important questions like:

• Who can I call if I need help?
• Who do I want to spend time with regularly?
• Who can support me in reaching my goals?

Why Knowing Your Relationship Circle Matters  

When thinking about how to plan to move out of home, it’s easy to focus only on things like housing, finances, or daily routines. But your support network is just as important. For an adult with intellectual disabilities, having a clear understanding of your Relationship Circle can:

• build confidence in your ability to live more independently
• help identify where support is already strong
• highlight any gaps where additional support may be needed
• make the transition smoother and less stressful

Most importantly, it puts you at the centre of the planning process and shows the people in your life that know you and want to see you succeed.

Who Is in a Relationship Circle?

Everyone’s Relationship Circle is unique so it’s important to think about the different people and supports in your life and the roles they play. Here are a few places to start:

1. Family and Relatives

Consider the family members who are part of your daily life now.

• Who supports you regularly?
• Who lives nearby or could be available when you need help?
• How might their role change as you begin living more independently

2. Friends and Social Connections

Friendships are an important part of living as independently as possible—they bring joy, connection, and a sense of belonging. Think about the people you enjoy spending time with.

• Do you have friends from work, school, or activities?
• Who do you trust and feel comfortable with?
• How can these relationships continue to grow as you move into your own home?

3. Community and Funded Supports

You may already have access to community programs or funded supports but planning early helps ensure there are no gaps in support during your transition. Consider: 

• What services are you currently using?
• Will they continue in your new living arrangement?
• Do you need to make any changes or applications ahead of time?

4. Paid Supports

If you currently receive paid support, it’s important to think about how that will continue.

• Can your current supports transition with you?
• Will your needs change in a new environment?
• Are there additional supports available to help you live more independently? 

A Helpful Tool to Get Started

A Relationship Circle worksheet can be a great way to visualize your support network and start meaningful conversations about your future.

The worksheet from Inclusion BC and Community Living BC is a helpful starting point. Many of our members have found it useful when planning next steps toward independent living.

Moving Forward At Your Own Pace

There’s no single path for an adult with intellectual disabilities when it comes to moving out and living as independently as possible. Every journey is personal and every step forward, big or small, matters. Building your Relationship Circle is just one step that can help you understand who is in your corner and how you can work together to plan a future that feels right for you.

If you or someone you love is currently exploring a plan to move out of home, what tools or supports have been most helpful for you?

Our friends at Empowering Ability are hosting a free virtual workshop this Wednesday, January 21, designed specifically for family members of people with disabilities. This session will help participants take practical steps to prepare their loved one for greater independence and build a plan for their future with confidence.

At Delta Housing Be Mine Society, we understand the importance of developing independence at a rate that works for each individual with intellectual disabilities. That means that each individual, and their family, is building a plan that works within their life. This event is a great opportunity to gain tools, clarity, and encouragement from experts who understand the journey families are on from first hand experience.

This supportive, step-by-step workshop will guide participants through three steps:

STEP 1: Prepare Your Loved One for More Independence
Learn simple coaching strategies that help build everyday skills in a positive, low-pressure way.  

STEP 2: Secure Their Safety & Future Support

Discover how to put safeguards in place so you can feel peace of mind about your loved one’s future — even when you’re not there.

STEP 3: Create a Personalized Life Plan
Walk through an 8-step Life Planning process to build a roadmap that supports growth, friendships, community connection, and a fulfilling life.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time / 4:00 PM Pacific Time
Location: Online (virtual event)

Register today and take the first step toward a confident future. 

On November 17th, community members came together—both in person and online—to support an important presentation at the Delta City Council meeting. Our President, Shirley-Ann Reid, alongside Karla Verschoor, Executive Director at Inclusion BC, presented “Building Inclusive Housing: Brick by Brick – Empowering Community Together.” The presentation outlined the importance of building long-term, inclusive housing; housing that offers a sustainable option for adults living with intellectual disabilities. 

The strong turnout demonstrated something powerful: our community cares deeply about ensuring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have access to inclusive housing they can truly call home

Why Inclusive Housing Matters

For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, finding stable, supportive, and inclusive housing is one of the biggest barriers to living independently. Inclusive housing isn’t simply about a place to live—it’s about dignity, safety, community connection, and the opportunity to make meaningful choices. It provides individuals the chance to participate fully in their community, develop lifelong skills, and build lives rooted in belonging.

This is why advocacy at the municipal level is so important. Policy changes directly shape what housing options are available and how quickly progress can happen.

What Happened at the Council Meeting

We are pleased to share that the presentation was extremely well received. In fact, Delta City Council unanimously passed the motion—without any further discussion—supporting our three key recommendations, each of which plays an essential role in building a more inclusive housing landscape:

1. Remove the word “Pilot” from Inclusionary Housing (#8)

Removing the word pilot signals a commitment to long-term, sustainable inclusionary housing rather than temporary or experimental measures. This strengthens the City of Delta’s Housing Action Plan and reinforces the message that inclusive housing is not optional—it’s necessary.

2. Collaborate on a DELTA Toolbox for Inclusive Design

An inclusive design toolbox will help guide future developments by offering resources and best practices to ensure new housing meets the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This practical step empowers builders, planners, and city staff to design with inclusion in mind from the very beginning.

3. Partner with Nonprofits Already Doing This Work

Nonprofit organizations bring expertise, lived experience, and decades of community knowledge. Formal partnerships ensure that future housing solutions are grounded in what really works for the people they aim to support. As we shared in the presentation, this takes the approach of “Nothing About Us, Without Us”, a core tenet of this work.

Moving Forward: A More Inclusive Delta

Your support—showing up, speaking up, and standing with us—played a meaningful role in moving this work forward. Each step brings us closer to a Delta where every adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities has access to safe, welcoming, and truly inclusive housing.

This progress is the result of community effort, shared vision, and unwavering belief in the right of all people to have a home of their own.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are building an inclusive future—brick by brick.

The holiday season is here — and with it comes a wonderful opportunity to celebrate community, connection, and giving back.

This year, Delta Housing Be Mine Society (DHBMS) is thrilled to take part in Cascades Casino Delta’s Second Annual Festival of Trees — a festive event that brings together local non-profits to spread holiday cheer and support families in need.

What Is the Festival of Trees?

Hosted by Cascades Casino Delta, the Festival of Trees invites community organizations from across Delta to decorate their own Christmas trees, each representing a local charity or cause.

From now until December 23, visitors can stroll through the beautifully decorated trees inside the casino, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and vote for their favourite trees — all while helping support local families through Deltassist’s Holiday Programs.

Last year, Deltassist supported 985 children through toy and gift donations — and this year, the community is coming together to help that number grow past 1,000!

How to Vote

Voting is easy — and it’s all about giving back!

 In-person voting:
You can cast your vote by bringing a non-perishable food item, unwrapped toy, or monetary donation to the casino. All donations go directly toward supporting local families through Deltassist.

 Social media voting:
Cascades Casino will also be sharing photos of the trees online — so keep an eye out and show your support by liking, sharing, and commenting!

Every vote makes a difference — and gives you a chance to win prizes through the casino’s draw for participating guests.

Visit Our DHBMS Tree

This year, we’re proud to share our Delta Housing Be Mine Society tree, lovingly decorated by our team and members to reflect our mission of inclusion, belonging, and community connection.

Our tree celebrates the joy of home — a place where everyone deserves to feel welcome, supported, and valued. Look closely and you’ll see personalized notes about what inclusive housing means to our members on our decorations. 

If you’re visiting Cascades Casino Delta this holiday season, be sure to stop by, take a photo, and vote for our tree before December 23. Your support helps raise awareness for inclusive housing and the incredible adults with intellectual disabilities who make our community stronger every day.

Together, We Can Make the Season Brighter

The Festival of Trees is more than just a holiday display — it’s a celebration of what makes Delta such a special community: kindness, connection, and care for one another.

Thank you to Cascades Casino Delta for hosting this beautiful event, and to Deltassist for continuing to support local families during the holidays.

We hope to see you there — and don’t forget to vote for the Delta Housing Be Mine Society tree before December 23!

  Together, we can make the season brighter for everyone.

October is Community Inclusion Month in BC, a time to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions that people with intellectual disabilities make to our communities every day. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on what inclusion truly means — and how we can continue building spaces where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and valued. 

This month holds special meaning for us at Delta Housing Be Mine Society (DHBMS). It marks the one-year anniversary of ten of our members moving into their own homes — living independently with the supports they need to thrive.

In honour of this, Delta Housing Be Mine Society hosted an evening celebration of inclusion and community at REACH Child and Youth Development Society in Ladner. The event brought together self-advocates, family members, service providers, and community allies for a night of storytelling, creativity, and connection.

Throughout the evening, we heard, directly from our community, what inclusion means to them and what independent living has meant to them over the past year. 

What Inclusion Means to Our Community 

We invited members to reflect on three simple but meaningful questions — and their responses offered insight, warmth, and honesty about what inclusion and independence truly look like in everyday life.

What does independent living mean to you? 

In celebration of our members that moved into their own homes last year, we asked attendees to share what independent living means to them. The answers were insightful and heartfelt. 

Members shared that independent living means being heard, being able to make their own decisions - about what they do, their schedule, and their friends. For many, independent living means creating a home that reflects who they are — cooking the meals they love, decorating their spaces in their own style, and enjoying the freedom to live life on their own terms.

What has been the best part of living in your own home?

When asked about the best part of living independently, guests shared a range of simple but deeply meaningful joys — having their own space, doing their own laundry and cooking, spending time with friends when they choose, and enjoying the comfort of watching their own TV with their own cup of coffee. 

What does inclusion mean to you?

When we asked what inclusion means, our members offered powerful reflections. To them, inclusion means:

• Being invited places

• Being known by name — greeted with a smile or a hello

• Being seen and not ignored

• Being part of a welcoming group

• Having equal opportunities

• Feeling that all are welcome and every voice is heard

A shared message that emerged from the group was that inclusion is just the first step — belonging is the goal.

Building a Wall of Inclusion

We ended the evening by creating a Wall of Inclusion — a collaborative space where attendees could write down what inclusion means to them. Together, we filled the wall with colourful notes, kind words, and heartfelt expressions, forming a vibrant mosaic of belonging, respect, and community strength.

A Celebration of Community

The event wasn’t just about reflection — it was about celebration. As we marked one year since ten tenants moved into their own homes here in Ladner, we took time to acknowledge how far we’ve come in building inclusive housing and supportive community networks.

Attendees shared laughs, stories, and conversations that reminded us all why inclusion matters — not just in words, but in daily action and connection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Community Inclusion Month. Together, we’re proving that inclusion isn’t just an idea — it’s something we build every day, through connection, compassion, and community.

For parents of children or adults with intellectual disabilities, the idea of independent living can sometimes feel overwhelming. But independence doesn’t have to happen all at once. It’s a journey. One made up of small steps, daily encouragement, and meaningful opportunities to learn.

As parents, you can play a powerful role in preparing your child for a future where they feel capable, confident, and valued. Here are seven practical strategies to support your child in building skills for greater independence.

1. Start with Something They Love

Independence grows best when it’s connected to joy. Begin by identifying tasks that are both useful and personally meaningful to your child. This could be anything from learning to cook a staple meal to learning how to do their own laundry. Any skill that your child has a natural interest in or curiosity about is a great place to start in building the skills that will, ultimately, enable them to live as independently as possible. 

2. Encourage Shared Decision-Making

Rather than stepping in to decide for your child, invite them into the process. Ask for their ideas, listen to their preferences, and weigh options together. Even small choices, like what to eat or what activity to try, build confidence and reinforce that their voice matters. It can be a shift for both of you, taking on decision making together, but one that will help you both in the long run. 

3. Break It Down

Big goals can feel intimidating. Instead of tackling everything at once, break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Teach and practice one piece at a time—whether it’s cracking an egg before making a whole omelet, or learning how to sort laundry before running the washing machine. Breaking down big tasks into smaller ones helps them feel more manageable and less daunting, increasing the chances of success. 

4. Match Their Pace

Learning looks different for every individual. Some skills will take longer to develop, and that’s okay. Be patient, offer support when needed, and give them the time and space to practice at a pace that feels right for them. Skill building is a marathon, not a sprint so take your time and let go of any time-bound expectations. 

5. Stay Consistent

Consistent routines help adults with intellectual disabilities learn new skills and gain confidence. Try to build regular practice into everyday life. Whether it’s setting aside time each week to cook together or choosing a dedicated laundry day, repetition and consistency help new skills stick.

6. Allow for Mistakes

Mistakes aren’t setbacks, they’re stepping stones. Allow your child to experience trial and error, and encourage safe risk-taking. Each misstep is an opportunity to problem-solve and grow resilience, both of which are essential for independence.

7. Celebrate Every Milestone

No victory is too small to acknowledge. Celebrate progress often—whether it’s a first attempt, a step in the right direction, or mastering a new skill completely. Positive reinforcement not only builds pride but also fuels motivation to keep going.

Preparing a child with intellectual disabilities for independent living is a journey of patience, encouragement, and shared effort. By starting with what brings them joy, supporting their choices, and celebrating every step forward, parents can help their children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. 

If you’re looking to support your child through this journey, our friends over at Empowering Ability have developed a step by step resource to work through these strategies at home. This guide provides information and worksheets to help families support loved ones toward more independence.

This is a question we’re asked often in the work we do. At DHBMS, a core tenet of our mission is advocating for inclusive housing—housing that considers and embraces the diverse needs of adults with intellectual disabilities.

But inclusive housing isn’t just about accessibility or affordability. It’s about belonging. It’s about creating spaces where everyone can live with dignity, independence, and connection.

When done right, inclusive housing doesn’t just benefit individuals—it strengthens entire communities. It creates healthier, more vibrant neighbourhoods where differences are welcomed and everyone has a role to play.

We work directly with our community to help bring this vision to life. We know the community wants to help, but community members don’t always know how so we’ve broken down the top four things you need to know about inclusive housing below. 

1. Inclusive Housing Is Not Just a Place to Live — It’s a Foundation for Belonging

At DHBMS, we believe housing should be more than a roof over someone’s head—it should be a place where people feel safe, valued, and part of something bigger. That’s why we support housing projects where adults with intellectual disabilities live alongside others as neighbours, not apart in segregated or institutional settings.

Inclusive housing means true integration. It means living in a community that embraces diversity and welcomes people of all abilities, backgrounds, and walks of life.

2. Housing for Everyone is not “Special” Housing 

Inclusive housing recognizes that support is essential—but how support is delivered matters. Instead of one-size-fits-all programs, DHBMS champions housing models that offer choice and independence — housing where individuals can live as independently as possible, arranging the supports that work best for them.

That might mean help from family, a community support worker, a friend, or even a thoughtful neighbour. What’s important is that the person with the disability is the primary tenant, with full rights and control over their space. It’s their home, not a program or a facility.

This approach fosters independence, respects privacy, and builds the confidence needed to thrive.

3. Community Is at the Core of Inclusive Housing — And It Takes Many Partners

Inclusive housing doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s the result of collaboration. In Delta, we’re fortunate to work alongside local governments, developers, non-profits, families, and community members who believe in this vision.

DHBMS plays a key role as a bridge-builder, bringing people and organizations together to co-create solutions. We know that lasting, inclusive change happens when everyone has a seat at the table.

This work isn’t just about meeting a need, it's about building an inclusive community together.

4. There Are Not Enough Homes — And the Need Is Growing

The reality is stark: adults with intellectual disabilities are too often left out of mainstream housing plans. In Delta, and across the region, there’s an urgent and growing gap in suitable, affordable homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DHBMS works to ensure all voices are not just heard, but actively included in city planning, funding priorities, and housing development strategies. Because everyone deserves a home where they can grow, belong, and be themselves.

You Don’t Have to Be a Housing Expert to Help

Creating an inclusive community is a shared responsibility—and there’s a role for everyone.

Whether you’re a local business owner, parent, student, retiree, or developer, your contribution matters. Maybe it’s hosting a community conversation, offering a service, supporting an event, or simply spreading the word.

When we come together, we build more than homes—we build a community where everyone belongs.