Innovation Spotlight | Transitional Housing Supports

by Lori Morphy, SARC Trainer/Resource Developer – Service Delivery, June 16, 2025

While you are likely familiar with supported independent living options for people experiencing disability, transitional housing support offers a slightly different twist on traditional supported independent living. Transitional housing support typically includes a more structured skill development process or curriculum, focused on supporting people to learn independent living skills with the goal of transitioning from fully supported living to independent living.

While each program is structured differently, people in transitional housing move through phases of support until they achieve their desired level of independence. The goal for many is to live as independently as possible.

A great example of transitional housing support comes from L’arche in Ontario. Their program called “Trying it on for Size”, or TIFS, is a one-year life skills program that supports people to become more independent and explore living on their own. Through TIFS, people receive one-on-one coaching, opportunities to try living on their own in a safe and supportive environment, and education that is tailored to meet their goals.

In France, L’adapt offers a program where people supported transition through three phases of learning. In the first step, program participants move into a supported apartment where they begin learning independent living skills. They then move to an apartment in downtown Chinon where they experience more independence in their daily life. Finally, the person moves into independent living in a city of their choice. Throughout the program, people advance through twenty-one different learning modules covering four main areas:

• Managing needs in daily life.
• Autonomy in travel.
• Administrative and financial autonomy.
• Autonomy in social life.

In addition to transitional housing programs specifically for people experiencing disability, there are also several examples of culturally safe Indigenous, and youth transitional housing supports. Many of these programs are designed for young people who experience barriers to independence, including those with disabilities.

For example, at Kikekyelc, which means ‘A Place of Belonging’, in Kamloops, British Columbia, elders and support staff work with youth age 16 to 27 years old, in a culturally safe, fully supported condo style housing complex. The goal is to support the youth to prepare to live independently in the community.

Similarly, Home Base YK in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, provides supported housing options for youth with and without disabilities. Program participants receive support from staff and navigators to learn the skills necessary to live independently or semi-independently.

Does your organization offer a structured program or curriculum to support people in the pursuit of independent living?
We want to hear your stories! Contact SARC’s Communications Coordinator at ahoffart@sarcan.sk.ca