Hi
Everyone!!
So I got
sick with that flu that’s going around! My sister has taken the liberty of
writing a “Guest blog” post. Thank-you Desiree (My sister). I know this is not a good sign that I have only
written two post and already I am finding other people to write for me.
However, it was a great topic! Des and I were discussing finding housing as
someone with a disability. We both thought it would make a great topic of blog
conversation. A quick biography of my sister: Desiree is my twin we both use
wheelchairs and live in Toronto (but on different sides of the city). Des has a
bachelor’s degree and a diploma n Human Resource Management. We are friends :-)
Housing is
pretty much a problem for all wheelchair uses or really anyone with some sort
of accessibly need. Unfortunately I can
only speak for my experience in Ontario. Most of my experience in finding
housing has been in Toronto, In Ontario and for sure in Toronto there is a
shortage of affordable housing in general. The waiting list for financially subsidized
housing in Toronto is about 8years and that is if you don’t need a wheelchair
accessible apartment. . I was lucky when
I initially moved out because I was leaving to go to school out of town. This
was good because I just lived in the wheelchair accessible residence of my
university and then again at college. However, when I graduated I quickly
became aware that, the task of finding a place to live would be a challenge.
I did know
that if you bought a condo or house that was currently being built or going to
be built you could request it be wheelchair accessible, basically making it how
you like it . I know people who have done this and its AWSOME! One of my life’s goal is
to have a home built to my liking. However, currently I cannot afford to buy
property. Further, many people not just people with disabilities are not in a
position to purchase a home or condo. Many people rent or share accommodations
with roommates. When I moved out of my school’s residence; I
contacted the Independent Living Center of Toronto (CILT). CILT, was also able to give me information
about how to apply for financially subsidized housing. They also had a data
base of people who were looking to sell or rent wheelchair accessible spaces (apartments,
condos, houses). I found an apartment at
a co-op. Co-ops are a great thing to
look into if you need to move and don’t have a lot of money.
Co-ops are
cooperative housing, so everyone who lives in the co-op helps out. The tenants own the building and maintain it
because, everyone in the building helps out the rent is usually slightly lower
than market rent. As well sometimes co-ops have subsidizes or grants you can
apply for to reduce the cost of your rent. Co-op also value having a diverse community of
people. Therefore, they usually have accessible units that often go unfilled
because the co-op can’t find anyone who is disabled. As I said before Co-ops are good because they
are all about community so quite often they will know of services that may be
useful, or you may have neighbours who are willing to help you out. For example: when I moved into my co-op I got
information about a local out reach organization and several other community
supports. Further, because the building is more community based and there are
tenants meetings, social etc.. it is easier to meet people.
Eventually,
I did end up applying for financially subsidized housing. Toronto’s process is fairly
easy. You do it on line and then mail in a photo copy of your ID and proof of citizenship
or residency. You can also go to the “Housing Connect” office and someone there
can help you fill out the application. I was lucky enough to get a really nice
apartment in about 3 months. I did ask the lady who phoned me to let me know of
my apartment why it was so fast. She told me they are working on building more accessible
houing so that was why.
I really
like my apartment. It is exactly where I want to live, it is down town and near
a lot of useful stores and by a subway witch is handy. I don’t drive and the
door to door transit program in Toronto for persons with disabilities requires
24hours notice. You have probably noticed throughout the blog I have used the
word “lucky”, that’s exactly what I am lucky. I have basically won the lottery
of affordable accessible housing. One of the reasons for this is I “just”
require accessible space and can afford to pay someone to help me with the
things I have difficulty doing (Cleaning and sometimes laundry). There are many
other people with disabilities who require assisted living support to live on
their own. The waiting list for those apartments is super long. I can’t really
speak to that but, Toronto has a really good transitional program for people
who think they may want to move out on their own . I don’t know much about it
but I will post a link at the end.
I know many people who are not in good living
situations. Lots of my friends who have disabilities still live at home with their
parents BLAH (no offense, Mom I love you)
. There are a number of issues with accessible housing. Sam could likely to
speak to the systemic issues of this. It really seems as though accessible
housing is a bit of a treasure hunt and options can be limited. It is my hope that sharing my experience and
some resources can perhaps make it less difficult for others.
Thanks
Des
Des’ Housing Resource
List
Centre For Independent
Living Toronto: http://www.cilt.ca/default.aspx
365 Bloor Street East, Suite 902, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3L4
Phone: (416) 599-2458
Direct Funding Hotline: 1-800-354-9950
Fax: (416) 599-3555
TTY: (416) 599-5077
Direct Funding Hotline: 1-800-354-9950
Fax: (416) 599-3555
TTY: (416) 599-5077
This a
great starting point for gaining my resources and perspectives on living independently.
Co-op
Housing Foundation: http://www.coophousing.com/
This is a
good website to find contacts for local co-ops that maybe looking for people to
rent accessible spaces. They may also be a more affordable housing option
Toronto
Community Housing: http://www.torontohousing.ca/
This is the
website that you would contact if you were looking for financially subsidized
housing in general or that is also accessible. People are also able to live in
Community Housing if they are not looking for subsidized rent they, also have
access to accessible spaces at market rent.
The Gage
Transitional Program: http://www.westpark.org/Services/GTIL.aspx
This is the
transitional program that supports people with disabilities to coordinate
support to live on their own.
This is a great program for Teenagers who are thinking about moving out
A three-week residential program for youth 17–21 years who want to work on skills for independent living. This program is run out of Ryerson University Student Residence in downtown Toronto.
Contact
kgalley@hollandbloorview.ca
Jeff Kerr, Accessible Home Finder: http://www.accessiblehomefinder.com/jeffrey-kerr.php
This is a fantastic resource for people looking to buy an accessible
home or condo. Sam has met with Jeff a couple of times to discuss home
ownership. She will likely buy with him when she finally can afford a down
payment.
No comments:
Post a Comment