FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Backgrounder included)
January 20, 2021
(Three Rivers, Prince Edward Island): A new Independent Living Centre will open this Fall supporting Islanders living with intellectual and/or dual disabilities.
Inclusions East is finalizing the design plans for the complex that will host eight (8) one-bedroom furnished apartments, one of which will be completely barrier-free, one (1) three-bedroom staffed unit for those with greater needs, laundry and common area for socializing and opportunity of a nutritious evening meal addressing housing for 11 individuals throughout the complex.
“Within our communities there are many seniors caring for adults with disabilities,” says Executive Director of Inclusions East, Nancy Anderson. “This project will support some Islander’s living with disabilities to move into an independent living environment. This build is also exciting for some of our community members that have children with an intellectual or dual disability, as it empowers them to be able to have to “live a life of their own” in the future.
The 9000 square foot facility will be located on a proposed site on Grace Lane and is expected to open in Fall of 2021. As announced in January 2020, the project will receive $590,000 through the Community Housing Fund administered jointly by Canadian Mental Health Association and Department of Social Development and Housing.
“Accessible housing requires a collective and collaborative approach from government and its community partners,” says Minister of Social Development and Housing, Ernie Hudson. “We are pleased to partner with Inclusions East on this initiative that creates more housing options for Islanders with disabilities to live independently.
Support staff will be on-site to assist with life skills training to ensure success among the tenants. Tenants will also have access, should they choose for other services available under Inclusions East such as Employment Services and/or Skills Training.
“There is a great need in our communities to provide housing for those living with an intellectual and/or dual disability,” says Danny Bartlett, President of the Inclusions East Board of Directors. “Being an aging parent of a son with disabilities I personally know this need is real. The Board of Directors are very pleased that we can move forward with this project and accommodate some of these needs in Eastern PEI. We also want to thank the provincial government for their current and ongoing support for this project.”
An Approval Process is now open for interested individuals to apply in order for Inclusions East to plan and will be available from the AccessAbility Support Program, or by contacting Inclusions East at nancya@inclusionseast.com.
For more information, contact:
Nancy Anderson
Executive Director
Inclusions East Inc.
902-838-2516 Ext 4
nancya@inclusionseast.com
Rebecca Gass
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Social Development and Housing
902-620-3409
rjgass@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder:
Inclusions East is a non-profit, charitable agency serving over 50 individuals and their families throughout Kings County through its divisions providing skills training, developmental programming, employment services, community support and residential services.
Commitment of a significant project and planning for future projects adds to the financial pressure for Inclusions East. Donations or contributions to support development and completion of major projects is most gratefully accepted.
