Since 2015, the Ministry of Community and Social Services has supported the implementation of 18 demonstration projects for creative, inclusive and cost-effective housing arrangements for people with a developmental disability, through recommendations provided by the province’s Developmental Services Housing Task Force.
One such successful project that has been supported as part of the housing solutions is the Bridges to Housing program. Developmental Services Ontario Toronto Region (DSO TR), at Surrey Place Centre has worked in partnership with the City of Toronto, Inner City Family Health Centre and Community Living Toronto to support and find permanent housing as part of the Bridges to Housing program for homeless adults living with developmental disabilities.
“As a result of our work with the Bridges to Housing, we were also able to recognize and identify 155 individuals who did not meet the Bridges to Housing criteria however, did in fact qualify for DSO TR services, DSO TR staff have supported these individuals in registering for DSO TR services.”
Dr. Terri Hewitt, Vice President Developmental Services at Surrey Place Centre
Each of the 18 projects represents a cross-sector collaboration with a developmental service agency and/or a local government, an educational institution or private organization. Investing in residential supports for people with developmental disabilities is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.