Increased support for persons with disabilities
Islanders with intellectual disabilities and their families will have more support with an increase in the number of residential beds available at community organizations across the province.
Community Connections Inc., Queens County Residential Services and Inclusions East have all received increased operational funding, a total of almost $2.3 million, to support 36 new residential beds.
"The need and waiting list continues to grow for affordable and supported residential housing for adults with an intellectual disability,” said Bill Lawlor, executive director of Queens County Residential Services. "Queens County Residential Services is very pleased to receive funding from the Province for a new group home and attached apartments, which is helpful in addressing the increasing demand for housing."
Residential housing and programs help people with intellectual disabilities live as independently as possible in the community with the right level of care and support services they need. Residential support also helps Island families who typically are the primary caregivers of their family member with an intellectual disability.
“We have to work together as community and neighbours to support the many diverse housing needs of Islanders. As a government, we will continue to ensure we are improving services which help strengthen our communities and put people first.”
- Social Development and Housing Minister Ernie Hudson
Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Social Development and Housing
902-620-3409
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder
Community Connections Inc.
Community Connections Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides employment, residential, and support services to adults with intellectual disabilities. They offer 86 residential beds in six locations in the Summerside area.
The increased funding will go towards a new ten-bed duplex home that was recently completed. One side of the duplex provides five long-term residential beds while the other side has four long-term and one respite bed. Individuals have moved into one side of the home as staff recruitment takes place for the other side.
Queens County Residential Services
Queens County Residential Services (QCRS) is a non-profit organization providing day programming, employment supports, respite care and residential services and supports for persons with intellectual disabilities. They currently offer 72 residential spaces in 12 locations in the Charlottetown area.
QCRS is developing a ten-bed residential home that will include six group home beds, one respite bed and three independent apartments. Construction will begin in November 2019 and it is expected to be completed in spring 2020. They are also renovating their Pioneer Group Home to add a three bedroom apartment. QCRS recently received funding through The Windsor Foundation to support the project.
Inclusions East
Inclusions East is a non-profit organization providing residential, employment and community support for persons with intellectual disabilities. They currently provide 19 beds in four locations in Montague and surrounding area.
Inclusions East is developing an 11-bed residential home that will include one three bedroom small option home along with eight independent apartments. A project manager has been hired to support the project. The increased funding will also support Inclusions East to continue to rent a two-bedroom apartment in the community.