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Advocacy & public policy

Inclusive housing, explained

What inclusive housing means, the real homes that already exist across British Columbia, and the reports we use to make the case for more of them in Delta.

What it means
Real homes
Documents & resources

What it means

Homes in welcoming communities, with real choice

Inclusive housing lets people with disabilities live in welcoming communities with genuine choice, and take part in everyday neighbourhood life.

The test is simple: is the person part of the community, or set apart from it? Segregated and institutional settings are not inclusive housing, because they place residents at the edge of the neighbourhood instead of within it.

Inclusive housing is

A welcoming community you choose to be part of
Genuine say over where and how you live
Everyday neighbourhood life, shared with everyone
Support that comes to the person

It is not

A separate, disability-only setting
An institution that runs to its own rules
Living set apart from the community around you
A place you were sent, not one you chose

The foundation of inclusive housing

Choice & control

People decide where and how they live, based on what matters to them, not what is left over.

Affordability

Housing costs no more than about 30% of a person's monthly income, so life is still possible after rent.

Accessibility

Close to shopping, transit, work, and medical care, so daily life is within reach.

A balanced community

People with and without disabilities living side by side. Inclusion is about the quality of community, not a fixed percentage.

Diversity

Neighbourhoods that reflect different ages, cultures, abilities, and backgrounds.

Sustainability

Stable, long-term homes that stay affordable, not a short-term fix.

The timeline

How soon could Delta have more inclusive housing?

A start has already been made: a couple of inclusive housing projects in Delta have been completed, and more could be on the way. With steady planning from here, a real range of options could take shape within roughly five years. The sooner the momentum grows, the sooner more families have somewhere to turn.

Whose job is it?

Who makes it happen?

It is a shared responsibility. Government at every level, municipal, provincial, and federal, along with local businesses, non-profits, and families, all have a part to play in building affordable inclusive housing.

Real homes

Not a someday idea. Across BC, these homes already exist.

Across British Columbia, adults with intellectual disabilities are already living in welcoming communities of their own. These homes are proof of what is possible, and the reason we are working to bring more inclusive housing to Delta in the years ahead.

How support works in a home

Three ways support can fit around a person

Inclusive housing is not one model. Support flexes to the person, from a light touch to around-the-clock care.

Supported living

A person lives in their own place with visiting outreach support, or a small cluster of homes shares support.

Shared living

A person lives with a screened, paid home-sharing provider who offers support and companionship.

Staffed residential

A home with staff on hand around the clock for people who need more support to be safe and well.

These three models come from Community Living BC.

Homes that already exist across BC

Ladner, Delta · A working example

An apartment complex in the heart of Ladner

Ten rental homes for adults with intellectual disabilities, right here in Delta. The clearest proof that inclusive housing belongs in our own community.

Vancouver

Aspen Apartments

Sixteen homes at Sixth & Main for adults with developmental disabilities. Read Taryn's story.

Kelowna

Capri Centre

Thirty-six homes, including rent-geared-to-income studios from $375 a month.

Saanich

Westview Apartments

Seventy-three homes in all, with five for adults with disabilities and 24/7 support.

New Westminster

43 Hastings Street

Accessible one-bedroom homes at the shelter rate, plus three townhouses.

South Surrey

Chorus Apartments

Seventy-one homes, twenty of them for adults with developmental disabilities in a cluster model.

North Vancouver

HYAD Place

Fourteen adaptable-design homes built around a cluster-living model.

Kelowna

Home ownership, together

Four adults bought their own condos, with a support person living on-site. Watch the video.

Powell River

Affordable Housing Powell River

Homes for families, seniors, and people with disabilities in one welcoming building.

A model from further afield

CASS Housing, Fort Wayne, USA

A community that builds and supports inclusive homes for adults with disabilities. Their approach has inspired families here.

Visit CASS Housing Watch their story

On the way: under construction or awaiting approvals

Ladner, Delta · In progress

Ladner Willows Apartments

A redevelopment on Ladner Trunk Road, with homes being negotiated for people with intellectual disabilities.

Compass Co-Housing

A co-housing community with up to three homes set aside for Inclusion Langley Society members.

Read the story

Documents & resources

Reports, studies & plans

The research and policy behind our advocacy, gathered in one place. Our own reports are hosted here for keeps; the rest link out to the organisations that publish them.

Our reports & submissions · 6