Inclusive Housing: Community Engagement and Partnership Mapping

Advocating For Supported Living, Not Specialized Residential Facilities

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities want a safe and decent home of their own, where they have choice and control over day-to-day decisions. 

Right now, more than 5,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are looking for housing in British Columbia. Together with community partners, we’re mapping housing needs to match housing availability with local demand, and map strategies to address barriers, like affordability. 

Inclusion BC and the Social Planning and Research Council of BC have partnered to produce housing reports for 10 communities, starting with the Cowichan Valley, Delta, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Langley, and the Sunshine Coast.

These reports highlight: 

• The need for inclusive housing in each community
• The availability and range of housing options available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Current barriers and gaps to inclusive housing in each community
• Potential solutions to make sure all housing plans address these gaps and barriers

Inclusive housing means people live in homes where they feel part of their communities. It gives people a sense of home and belonging through:

Inclusive Housing Options Aren’t Keeping Up With The Need

The number of people eligible to get Community Living BC-funded disability services is estimated to double every 20 years or so. Someone with an intellectual or developmental disability can afford to pay around $500 per month in rent. But as of 2024, the Canadian Rental Housing Index puts the average rent plus utilities for a studio apartment in British Columbia at just over $1,000 per month. 

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more likely to live in poverty than any other Canadians. They are also over-represented among the homeless population.