April 16, 2018
Intentional Community Consortium Expanding Supply of Supportive Housing for Persons with Developmental Disabilities through TAMIR Project in Ottawa
The Intentional Community Consortium, a group consisting of 15 non-profit community-based agencies dedicated to helping meet the housing and support needs of persons with developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce that one of its founding members, Tamir in Ottawa, has received major capital funding of $5.1 million from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) towards the development of an Integrated Living Centre (ILC) in Ottawa. This will be a ground-breaking project that will expand and transform delivery of services for people with developmental disabilities. The Ministry funding will be combined with financial resources previously secured by Tamir to enable the project to proceed. Among other key funders are the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Azrieli Foundation.
The new project, the first of its kind in Ottawa, will provide a variety of supportive housing and other services to people with developmental disabilities, within a fully inclusive environment under one roof. The Integrated Living Centre will be operated by Tamir, which is a Jewish community agency dedicated to ensuring people with developmental disabilities live with dignity and respect, and realize their full potential through services and opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
“This is fantastic news,” said Mark Palmer, Executive Director of Tamir. “Tamir’s ILC will mean more living spaces, more services, and more opportunities for community involvement and better coordination of care for people in critical need and the most vulnerable members of society. The government’s announcement today is an important piece of the funding required for this project and we are grateful.”
The Integrated Living Centre, to be opened by the spring of 2020 and located on the Jewish community campus in Ottawa, will introduce a new approach to services for clients and families. It will incorporate a wide range of facilities, such as: 34 residential units; a respite care program; a complex medical needs program run in collaboration with March of Dimes Canada; a seniors living program; as well as important day-service opportunities.
“We will deliver uplifting and affordable care and inclusion for persons with developmental and other disabilities, and this will be integrated within the heart of the Jewish community and campus,” said Richard Zuker, chair of the Tamir Board of Directors, who also expressed his appreciation to Minister Chiarelli, who announced the funding approval, and the MCSS. Mr. Zuker also extended thanks to Reena, Tamir’s sister organization based in Toronto, and the Intentional Community Consortium for their support with the project.
“We are thrilled to see this project moving forward,” said Andrea Freedman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, which helps fund Tamir and the new ILC. “Tamir has worked tirelessly to create the ILC plan. This will make excellent use of our community infrastructure to benefit so many families and individuals. We are also delighted that there will six housing units available for seniors, which will enhance inclusion and meet other needs in the community.”
The Intentional Community Consortium has worked actively with its members and other key stakeholders to develop plans for projects providing housing and supports in a wide range of communities and looks forward to continuing to offer meaningful support and assistance to agencies committed to expanding the supply of housing and supports for persons with developmental disabilities