Above: Shawna (left), a member of L’Arche Connects, and Rachel (right), our Community Leader, attended a National Housing Day event on Nov. 22 hosted by UNB focused on the intersection of disability and housing. In 2025, L’Arche Connects is expanding to support up to 10 new members through the supported independent living program.
In today’s housing landscape, it’s easy to feel disheartened at the unaffordability crisis. The scope of the problem, and its impact on so many peoples’ lives, is overwhelming.
Still, there are glimpses of hope: good people working hard for positive change at material and systemic levels. This month, between a local National Housing Day event and the decision at L’Arche to expand our supported independent living program, I’ve had the fortune of seeing some of those glimpses of hope.
On November 22, I was pleased to attend a National Housing Day event hosted by UNB’s Housing, Mobilization, Engagement and Resilience Lab. The focus of the event was, importantly, on the intersection of disability and housing. The day brought together self-advocates, policymakers and non-profit organizations working towards change in the disability and housing spaces.
Shawna, a member we support through the L’Arche Connects supported independent living program, spoke on a panel of self-advocates at the event. The panelists explored barriers to housing and support they’ve experienced, and what changes they’d like to see towards greater accessibility and affordability in housing and support. Themes emerged from the panel including the importance of accessible transportation, person-centered (and directed) support, and bureaucratic barriers to accessing services.
One thing is clear: having a safe, affordable place to call home, with the right support in place, is truly life-changing – and a basic right, not a luxury.
Shawna named appreciation for the L’Arche Connects supported independent living model of support, which is built around supporting her independence versus being prescriptive. This approach is in stark contrast to previous living and support experiences she’s lived through before.
And I am happy to say that we’re growing that model of support in 2025.
In Jen’s reflection this month, you can read more about how, thanks to two housing developers in Saint John who reached out to L’Arche for partnership, we’ll be expanding our supported independent living program to support up to 10 new members in apartments of their own in 2025. It’s heartening to see builders and property managers see the value of inclusion – which benefits everyone.
If you or someone you know could be a good fit, reach out to connects@larchesaintjohn.org for more info.
Or if you’re wondering how you can support us to keep this momentum going, consider a donation to our GivingTuesday fundraising campaign. Thanks to our matching donor, Murphy Restaurants Ltd, your gift will be DOUBLED on Tuesday, Dec. 3 up to $10,000!
Where there is much to be concerned about in today’s global landscape, let us look at signs of hope around us and in one another. There is good in the world – in you, in me and in community together.
With gratitude,
Rachel Vander Vennen
Community Leader & Executive Director