Innovative Housing

What do we call home? 

Since 2010, Windsor-Essex Family Network and partners have been inspiring people and families about what it means to have an affordable home to call one’s own…one that offers security, stability and sustainability in an inclusive society. 

For the purposes of the My Home, My Choice initiative in Windsor and Essex County, a home includes the type of home-setting that any citizen might choose.  This could be about renting or owning. It could mean living in a stand-alone house, secondary suite, townhouse, apartment, condominium, or housing co-op.  It could be choosing to live alone, with a friend, beside or with your family.  It could be about renovating within the family home, or creating private space beside the family home.

The My Home My Choice initiative also highlights the importance and value in having supporters be separate from a person’s housing. 

Ideas & LearningsThinking About HomeTechnology & HomeCollaborative Housing ProjectMy Home, My ChoiceLong-term Security

Things Others have Considered 

Below are some things individuals living with a disability, families,  trusted others, allies and  stakeholders have considered when looking at a future that includes living life as an everyday citizen and having an affordable home option: 

  • The value of an independent facilitation process: it has lead to more and different ideas for people, doing research for a person, assisting with strengthening their voice, choices and decision-making.  
  • Exploring various possibilities before deciding on the best affordable home option and whether it is away from family or with family in one’s own space. Having a vision!
  • Connecting with other people and families for inspiration.
  • Looking at what kind of supports would be needed and separating supports from housing.
  • Strategies for practicing responsibilities before a person movies out on their own. 
  • Looking at ways to support decision-making and ensure long-term security; this is one of the most critical pieces.  Who will listen into the future and stand beside the person?
  • Reflecting on all relationships, support networks, etc. and looking at intentionally building on existing relationships.
  • Using the ‘same time, same place’ idea for meeting and getting to know new people.
  • Involving professionals and business people in the community to assist with ideas.
  • Staying informed about the most up-to-date information about federal, provincial and municipal housing programs which often change from year to year.
  • Engaging in the learning process with municipalities with other stakeholders and creating opportunities to influence local policy and practices. 

There are many options for ‘home’ and ‘life’ to consider as one comes into their adulthood, and/or wants to make a change at any stage of life. Other considerations: being a good neighbour, helping others, and having a presence in everyday places.  These are just some of the many different ways one can think about having a good life, or prepare for living on one’s own or with a roommate someday. It is all about making our home and everyday life our own!

Featured Resource: Enabling Technology

Showcasing products for people, families, friends & supporters. 

https://www.enablingtech.ca/

Affordable and safe housing is a basic need for all of us.

When we have a great place to live in a great neighbourhood of our choice, we can turn our focus to being more connected to our community and enhancing our valued social roles. Communities are richer when everyone, regardless of difference, has the chance to interact and get to know each other, to share their gifts and contribute.

In the Fall of 2015, a Housing Task Force collaborative project began in Windsor-Essex to support eight people to realize their visions of safe and affordable housing, and full lives in their chosen neighbourhoods and communities.  Following the formal end of the project in March 2018, people’s lives continue to be enriched, as they engage in new valued roles. 

My Home My Choice Work Over the Years

  • People and families have shared personal stories about their home option inspiring others about the possibilities. 
  • Information resources have been created and/or updated each year to increase knowledge and build confidence among people, families and friends.
  • Community development work has led to capacity and relationship building between various stakeholders and families. 
  • Many of the broader stakeholders across sectors made a commitment to work on taking down the barriers that are making it difficult for people with a disability (and others living in poverty) to choose an affordable home option.
  • A Housing Task Force project was developed with individuals and families in 2015. (See the ‘Collaborative Housing Project’ tab above.)
  • Materials on Relationships, Circles, and Networks have been researched, and created. (see the Relationships resource page.)
  • Affordable housing has been an issue for so many people with lower income. Sharing how to apply for affordable rental housing and in particular the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) to assist with rent for those interested in an apartment has been important.
  • Supported Decision-Making has been identified as a priority by participants at MHMC events. Presentations, links, and resources on the topic were significantly highlighted in 2022 & 2023.

Going forward means talking about newer creative ideas for figuring out how people living with a disability and others can live affordably. 

For those who are able to assist their loved ones, will it be:

  • renovations in the family home?
  • a tiny home?
  • some type of Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
  • taking a look at multi-generational living, in addition to a housing benefit for rent?
  • other ideas and possiblities?

Long-Term Security

Long-term security for a person with a disability is a key outcome for the My Home, My Choice initiative.  It includes planning for a home that one can count on being there over time. It includes choosing whether to have a roommate and, if so, choosing who that would be. It includes choosing the home option that makes the most sense, and getting support in the way one desires.

One of the principles we believe in is keeping supports separate from housing.  This give people more choice and control over their life. 

Stakeholders with our My Home My Choice initiative, have demonstrated their interest in  possibilities, options and the importance of long-term security within a home, neighbourhood and community.  Many have learned that security is not in a paid system of support. Security in a home means one has control over and where relationships exist beyond those who are paid to be there.  These valued relationships may include neighbours, family, friends, groups that gather for similar passions, interests or hobbies, and work colleagues seen on a regular basis. 

As people explore different options for living lives in a home of their own, we believe as we work together that a valued role exists for the following: 

  • individuals,
  • families,
  • networks of support,
  • independent facilitators,
  • supportive agencies,
  • not-for-profit housing providers,
  • government, municipal staff (planning, housing and building departments),
  • lawyers,
  • contractors,
  • home and health supports,
  • financial planners, and
  • investors

Because of this belief, along with the numerous family learning events held over the last 12 years, we have hosted events where the broadest of stakeholders have come together. This  includes two large community forums and a Round Table discussion.