Adults with developmental disabilities will have access to an expanded range of housing options, thanks to a new partnership between the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, Community Living BC and Community Land Trust.

Community Living BC (CLBC), which serves about 28,000 adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, pursued an agreement with the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC) to increase access to inclusive and affordable housing, created in intentional communities. The Community Land Trust (CLT) builds and maintains cooperative housing in BC. The agreement outlines that CLBC and its service providers will work with each new housing co-op to determine how many units will be set aside in each development.

“The Sawmill Housing Co-op in Vancouver’s River District will be the first community opened under this new agreement,” says Thom Armstrong, CEO of CHF BC. “When residents begin moving in later this year, three units will be reserved for people who receive CLBC funded services.”

“By their nature co-ops are inclusive communities, and this agreement provides access to a style of housing that is incredibly meaningful for the people who receive supports funded through CLBC,” says Ross Chilton, CEO of CLBC.  “It’s a wonderful fit for us, as many of the people we support have told us they want independent and affordable housing, and to contribute to their community. For example, all properties overseen by CLTBC allow pets, which are an important part of so many peoples’ lives.”

Co-op housing provides opportunities to live in a community that promotes equitable access, opportunity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Many co-op communities offer social opportunities, such as gardening committees or regular social events, enjoying the many mental health benefits that come with community connection and leadership.

It is anticipated that the majority of self-advocates who will be housed under this agreement will be at the deep subsidy or Persons With Disability shelter rate, currently $500 a month for a single person, or at the low end of market.  The agreement ensures that units will be reserved for CLBC funded individuals and will remain permanently tied to these subsidy rates.

“Community Land Trust is building a legacy of safe, secure and permanently affordable housing.” says Tiffany Duzita, ED of CLT. “Aligned with the goals of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, our team of skilled industry professionals is focused on creating and advocating for inclusive communities. We look forward to the many opportunities this agreement will provide for CLBC funded residents to create places they are proud to call home.”

The number of units available to CLBC recipients annually will depend on the number and size of housing co-ops being built.  CLBC staff at regional offices will work with eligible individuals who are interested in this style of housing as opportunities arise.

About Community Land Trust (CLT)

Community Land Trust is a social purpose real estate developer that helps to create permanently affordable housing solutions for people, with a focus on co-operative housing. Established by the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC in 2015, CLT is owned by BC’s cooperative housing sector and is a member of the CHF BC group of social enterprises. For more information, visit cltrust.ca.

About Community Living BC (CLBC)

CLBC is a provincial crown corporation that funds supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities or who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and who have significant difficulty doing things on their own. To determine if you or your family member might be eligible for funded supports, visit  Am I Eligible for CLBC Support?