Innovation Spotlight | Purpose-built Inclusive Housing
by Lori Morphy, SARC Trainer/Resource Developer – Service Delivery, January 20, 2025
What is “purpose-built inclusive housing”?
Purpose-built inclusive housing refers to residential developments specifically designed to accommodate people with a wide range of abilities and needs, with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and fostering social integration. The goal of this type of housing is to create living spaces where individuals, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities, can live independently, safely, and comfortably. Sometimes these buildings have staff on site to provide support or coordinate community activities for everyone in the building or community.
One great example of purpose-built inclusive housing can be found in Surrey, British Columbia.
Meet Chorus Apartments by Uniti.
Uniti is a partnership of three non-profit organizations dedicated to increasing awareness about inclusion, advocacy, and disability rights. They firmly believe that ‘together we’re stronger’
In 2016, construction was completed on Chorus Apartments – the first purpose-built rental housing in Surrey, BC in more than three decades. At Chorus, the mix of residents reflects the diversity of the community and includes families, seniors, and people with developmental disabilities.
The inclusive nature of Chorus means that the tenant mix reflects the community and includes those who are being priced out of their neighbourhood or who have historically not been included, such as people who have development disabilities. Chorus has proven a great success in the seven years it has existed and the community is healthier and stronger because of its presence.
– Uniti
Hear more about Chorus Apartments by watching the video below:
In November 2022, a second building project – Harmony Apartments, was officially approved. They broke ground on Harmony Apartments in June 2024.
Doug Tennant, CEO of Uniti and who you may remember presenting at the SARC Fall Conference, makes the case for inclusive rental housing in his article, “Inclusive Rental Housing Works.”
He writes:
It’s clear to me that people with intellectual disabilities have a right to live where and with whom they choose. UNITI will continue to support this right. What I’ve really enjoyed about the Chorus project is how the tenants who have had their housing rights addressed have taken on the responsibility of having their own home. Whenever I have visited with them, I have found their homes neat and well-cared for. Now that they have their own home, they are inviting family and friends over to their place for meals and visits: they are sharing their bounty with others.
Interested in learning more about purpose-built inclusive housing? Click on the links below:
(This blog post utilized insights from ChatGPT to assist in the editing process)
Do you have an innovative idea, service, or story that you’d like to share?
We want to hear from you! Contact SARC’s Communications Coordinator at ahoffart@sarcan.sk.ca
