The Crisis: Supportive Housing in Canada for Individuals with Varied Abilities
The challenges associated with caring for someone with a permanent intellectual & developmental disability (commonly referred to as IDD) are enormous. Parents and caregivers shoulder a lifelong burden of care and support (emotional and financial) to provide a safe and loving environment for each individual. The ability of parents or family members to provide continuous 24/7 care is impacted by our aging demographics, health concerns, job related issues, other logistical problems, and the loss of life.
But what happens when a parent is no longer able to provide the loving support to their loved one, now an adult, with varied abilities? This is often referred to as ‘succession planning’ for their loved one. Finding the right housing model, the support systems available, technology requirements, community engagement, timing, availability, etc., all become part of the ‘succession planning process’.
In the current housing environment, there are government-funded group homes and a few community-based multi-unit housing options designed as residential models for individuals with varied abilities. Unfortunately, the demand for affordable supportive housing far exceeds the supply.
Layer in the lack of new housing initiatives and reduced community-based funding, and we are now faced with decades-long wait lists for housing and support services for individuals with varied abilities. In Ontario alone, the waiting list for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities waiting for housing and supports is said to be around 18,000 + adults and the average wait time is 23 years, (re: CBC News · Posted: Aug 12, 2019).
Our Solution: The Multi-Unit Residential Community (MURC).
We need to do better for our communities, and the individuals and families within them who are facing this housing crisis.
Cribwolf Foundation proposes a community-centric, multi-unit residential community (MURC) with mixed tenancy for adults over the age of 21 with varied abilities, living in harmony in a safe, inclusive and community engaged that allows independence, choice, and personal growth.
The MURC housing footprint will have multiple apartments, with select units reserved for respite services. The multi-unit residential community will provide ground floor consideration for recreation, community activities, support staff, security and administration.
For more details, visit Our Model page.