Autistic Adults, Caregivers
Most families with autistic or neurodivergent children want their loved ones to receive housing supports once they become adults. Yet, housing resources are limited.
For autistic adults who are late diagnosed, it might be hard to know where to look for an ideal place to live.
According to Community Living BC (CLBC), these types of housing are available to neurodivergent folks:
Supported Living/Outreach Cluster
There are two main types of supported living:
- Outreach Support: In this option, a support person visits your home to support you with daily living at certain times during the week. This could be one-on-one or group-based (Community Living BC, 2018).
- Cluster Living: In this option, a support person provides support to you and a group of other people whom CLBC supports who live close to each other (often in the same apartment building). The support person usually lives close to you, too (CLBC, 2018).
Shared Living ( and Live-In Support)
- Shared Living (formerly called Home Share): This is the most common type of shared living and involves you living in the shared living provider’s home. If the person is not related to the person being served, then the income from home share providing is not taxable. However, if the home share provider is related to the person (sibling, aunt, etc.), then the income is taxable. When negotiating the amount of the home share, this should be taken into consideration. Generally, mothers and fathers cannot be home-share providers, but you could advocate for an exception to the policy. CLBC Policies
- Live-in housing supports: This type of shared living support involves receiving support in your own home (CLBC, 2018).
Staffed Living (Formerly called Staffed Residential)
People who are eligible for this option choose this option need a lot of support in many areas of daily living.
Staff who work in the home can help you with things like personal care, recreation, and connecting to your community. They get to know you well and will support you in getting involved in the home and the community in a way that is comfortable for you.
You may live with one or more other people in the home, sharing some areas with them, but you have a room that you can decorate as you like and where you can go when you need time to be by yourself (CLBC, 2018).
It should be noted that although these types of housing supports exist, it doesn’t mean that every individual who wants them will receive them. Like with many other supports, there are waitlists and limited funding. Also, many individuals on the autism spectrum may not qualify for CLBC’s Personal Support Initiatives (PSI) program as their adaptive functioning is too high.
What are the different types of housing models?
- Affordable housing: Not necessarily for people with disabilities, but for anyone in a low-income demographic.
- Diversability housing: For neurodivergent people, it is usually affordable and sometimes inclusive.
- Inclusive housing: For people who are neurodivergent and neurotypical, often affordable as well but doesn’t have to be. The neurodivergent person has a choice as to what their housing looks like.
- Shared Living: Like a foster family, but for an adult. The person becomes part of the family and fully integrates into the family dynamic.
- Co-Housing: A mix of different people, some neurodivergent, some neuro-typical, some empty nesters, some singles, some families, all age ranges and economic/income backgrounds. They often share a common area (say a courtyard) and sometimes get together for get-togethers, but most importantly, neighbours help neighbours.
- Family Governance Model: A group of families that create an intentional and inclusive community for their loved ones with diverse abilities. This requires a lot of time commitment for families and often a financial investment.
Are there more Housing Resources?
- Key to Home: “Open the Door to Inclusive Housing”
- This is a new website and video for adults with disabilities about inclusive housing: what it is, how to find it, and how to find a roommate.
- BC Non-Profit Housing Association: This organization holds an annual housing conference.
- A Report by the Community Living BC and Inclusion BC Inclusive Housing Task Force (2017)
- CLBC: Help Your Community Create Inclusive Housing
- CLBC and how to create inclusive housing in your community
- CLBC and who does what when it comes to inclusive housing
- Find out more about Co-Housing at the Canadian Co-Housing Network
- Family Support Institute—Housing Options for Families: Conversations on housing options. Every Thursday Evening via Zoom.
- BC Housing
- BC Housing Rent Supplement Application
- BC Housing’s Newsroom – information on new housing projects throughout the province
- BC Housing for Independent living
- Disability Alliance BC Help Sheet: This tells you how much of your PWD you can use for shelter.
- Rent Bank Coverage — “Rent banks are housing stability and homelessness prevention resources that renters can turn to during unexpected interruptions to income that jeopardize their housing. The interest-free loans can be applied to tenants’ rent or essential utilities, or toward the deposit or first month’s rent for tenants who have secured housing but are unable to pay these requirements” (Province of BC, 2021).
- Updated Home Buyers Amount Tax Credit
Housing Advocacy
Strata Disputes? Who do you go to when there is a dispute about whether fines are appropriate?
The Civil Resolution Tribunal https://civilresolutionbc.ca/
Where do you go if you are being discriminated against for a disability?
The Human Rights Tribunal http://www.bchrt.bc.ca/
AutismBC Highlights: Advocacy Support in BC — Blog — AutismBC
What are some examples of the different types of housing models?
- Outreach Support/Inclusive Housing: Self Advocates & Families—Semiahmoo Housing Society YouTube
- Live-in Support: Kenyon’s Story—A Home & Community to Call His Own
- Taryn’s Story: How an Autistic Adult Found Housing in Vancouver
- Happy to be here: Vancouver Apartment Brings Opportunity for People Living with Autism
- Supportive Communities are Possible: Information on Family Governance Model and the Deohaeko Support Network and their model
- Intentional Community for individuals with diverse abilities on Vancouver Island: Glenora Farm Model
- L’Arche Canada & L’Arche Greater Vancouver Community
- PALS Adult Services Society (Vancouver)
- PALS Adult Services Society (Vancouver)
- Affordable Rental Homes On The Way for People in Keremeos
How can I advocate for more inclusive housing supports in our province?
- Reach out to the following organizations
- Reach out to your municipality and your council.
- Reach out to the provincial government and your local MLA.
- Connect with other families with similar housing goals for their loved one(s).
What is the BC Housing’s Housing Assistance?
Stable housing is a key factor in having good health. The Province of British Columbia offers supportive and subsidized housing through the provincial government agency, BC Housing. Subsidized housing is also provided by non-profit societies and cooperative associations (BC Housing, April 2023).
Learn more about how to apply for co-op housing supports online here
Subsidized housing
People living in subsidized housing need to be able to independently maintain their health and well-being in a self-contained living unit. They must also fulfill tenancy obligations, including paying rent, caring for their unit, and maintaining appropriate relations with neighbours. Tenants pay rent based on their income (generally 30%), or if on income assistance, they pay a flat rate based on family size (BC Housing, April 2023).
How are people chosen for subsidized housing?
In developments managed by BC Housing, priority is given to people with the greatest need. These include women and children fleeing abuse, people at risk of homelessness, people with health issues, including frail seniors and people with mental illnesses, physical disabilities, substance use issues and families (BC Housing, April 2023). Learn more or apply online here.
Rental Assistance
Rent help is available in the private rental market for low-income working families and seniors. Financial aid is also available for those who need housing adaptation to live safely and independently (BC Housing, April 2023). Learn more or apply online here.
Supportive Housing
Supportive housing is subsidized housing managed by non-profit housing societies that provide ongoing support and services to residents to help them live as independently as possible. To be eligible, you must be a low-income adult, 19 years or older, homeless or at risk of homelessness, and require support services to achieve a successful tenancy. Tenants pay rent for their units, with rates based on their income source (BC Housing, April 2023). Learn more or apply online here.
