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Continuing Housing Innovation in Windsor & Essex County | Innovative Housing Project Advisory Group
Each of the eight project participants have transitioned into appropriate, new housing situations created according to their individual wants and needs. Several have purchased their own homes; one person has moved into their own rental apartment (which they could not have afforded without a rental subsidy); and others have created or enhanced a personalized living space within their family home.
All of the participants have new, valued roles with the community and have maintained or increased their community connections: Funding for personalized supports has enabled participants to become involved in new work and/or volunteer commitments, and with attending local social events.
Challenges pertaining to delayed timelines were mainly due to lack of existing infrastructure for people with complex medical or behavioural needs requiring personalized supports. Many families were experiencing "burn out" from having dealt with insufficient supports over previous years. CL Windsor helped families by arranging the services of a Manager of Supports to oversee the screening, interviewing and management of qualified workers (in addition to policies and procedures, and reporting and time tracking). WEBPS provided assistance to families on educating supporters in person-directed planning and in practical ways of increasing community connections and building networks.
The funding from this project has enabled him to try so many new things and so many places that he couldn't go before, because he didn't have the appropriate support. He is much happier now ... and he is also teaching others in the community that despite his disabilities he can participate in the same things as everyone else. ~ Parent of Participant
Delays also occurred as a result of very serious health issues experienced by some of the participants and families. Real estate fluctuations, construction issues, and navigating complex bylaws and other legalities related to housing trusts also affected project timelines.
Participants and families worked with partners in new ways by sharing their stories at a "My Home, My Choice" event attended by housing project partners, municipal groups, local service organizations and community members.
The most positive outcomes pertain to participants and their families having a newfound sense of independence, feeling they have more control in their lives, and freedom as to how they spend their time.
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