Lanark County to Pilot New Housing Project

 Ontario & Lanark County to build Housing for People with Developmental Disabilities

Aug 19, 2015 – Smith Falls, ON

Ontario is investing up to $143,000 over the next two years in a local agency to pilot a creative and inclusive housing project for adults with developmental disabilities.

Lanark County Support Services will partner with Developmental Support Services, Lanark County and Lanark County Social Housing to provide residential supports to four adults with developmental disabilities who have complex medical needs. The project will enable each individual to live in their own unit in an existing building with the assistance of a supportive tenant. The individuals will also receive assistance from a full-time community support facilitator.

This project was selected by the Developmental Services Housing Task Force to help expand the range of housing options and choices for adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario.

The task force’s mandate is to encourage creative partnerships and promote individualized, inclusive housing solutions that could potentially be replicated in other areas of the province. Lessons learned will be used to develop a broader set of residential options in the long-term.

Helping people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible is part of Ontario’s plan to give everyone a chance to participate in the province’s economy and communities. It is also part of the government’s four-part plan to invest in people’s talents and skills, make the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, create a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and build a secure retirement savings plan.

“We know there is no one-size-fits-all housing solution for adults with developmental disabilities. Thanks to the hard work of agencies, families, community partners and Housing Task Force members, we have an opportunity to expand our knowledge and learn how new partnerships can help us provide new housing support options.”  Dr. Helena Jaczek,  Minister of Community and Social Services.

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