Members of the Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) convened at Parliament Hill to address the critical shortage of supportive housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. The ICC, representing 34 organizations from Ontario, gathered to advocate for increased investment in affordable housing and support services for this vulnerable population. The press conference, attended by reporters and key stakeholders, shed light on the challenges faced by those with diverse abilities and emphasized the importance of government intervention to address the housing crisis.
Ann Bilodeau, CEO of KW Habilitation and chair of the Provincial Network on Developmental Services Human Resources Committee, articulated the pressing need for action. She highlighted the ICC’s mission to tackle the affordable housing crisis and enhance support services to foster community engagement. Bilodeau underscored the fundamental principle that housing is a human right, calling attention to the dire situation faced by individuals relying on social income payments to meet their housing needs.
Bilodeau pointed to the National Housing Strategy’s commitment to provide 31,589 new housing units, with only 2,400 earmarked for people with developmental disabilities. She questioned whether these efforts were sufficient, citing the growing waitlist of 13,000 individuals in Ontario alone. Bilodeau urged policymakers to prioritize deeply affordable housing solutions and called for increased funding in the upcoming federal budget on April 16, 2024.
Lino Fera, director of the Cribwolf Foundation echoed Bilodeau’s sentiments. He emphasized the personal toll of navigating a world not designed for individuals with diverse abilities. Fera highlighted the lack of inclusive residential communities and stressed the need for housing options that promote independence, dignity, and community integration.
Joel, a resident of Reena, shared his firsthand experience of the transformative impact of supportive housing. Despite facing multiple complex medical needs and intellectual disabilities, Joel found a home at Reena, where he received the support necessary to pursue his educational and personal goals. However, Joel acknowledged that many others were not as fortunate, emphasizing the long waiting lists and high rates of homelessness among adults with intellectual disabilities.
Ango Kumberg, an artist, emphasized the importance of community and inclusivity in supportive housing. Through various programs and activities provided by Reena, Ango found fulfillment and belonging, highlighting the need for more initiatives to support individuals with developmental disabilities.
The press conference concluded with a call to action for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to prioritize affordable and deeply affordable supportive housing for people with developmental disabilities. The PAdvocates emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between governments, service providers, and communities to address the housing crisis and ensure that every individual has access to safe, inclusive, and dignified housing.
As journalists had no questions, the conference ended, leaving a poignant reminder of the urgent need for action to address the housing challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities.