At the end of the 1980's Ten Ten was experiencing a consumer demand for new strategies and approaches to developing Housing with day and night services for severely physically disabled tenants. In order to meet the immediate and possible longer term needs of both Ten Ten Sinclair and the tenants the need for some smaller housing and support models was identified. The minimum unit size was critical and had to have the potential to provide enough immediate on-site resources to maintain severely physically disabled individuals in a community setting.

Objectives

1. To provide tenants who are ready to exit Ten Ten with a living environment that gives them control over their lives. This environment must include support systems which facilitate their ability to live independently.
2. To deliver the services in a way that is cost effective. Day and night assistance must be provided as economically to a small group of 4 to six persons as compared to the requirement for a larger group of 8-15. To partly achieve this Ten Ten extended some of it's staffing and supervision capacity to the satellite sites.
3. To develop a simple, responsive, flexible and more efficient process for moving people with a variety of needs in and out of 1010. That is, "small cluster housing models" were to provide Ten Ten with a vehicle to enable tenants as they are ready, to exit to an independent housing option and, as well, allow new applicants to enter Ten Ten.

To fulfill the above objectives Ten Ten's first project involved working with six men who are quadriplegics. Their project was to build a model of permanent housing with day and night support services. The purpose was to develop a small project that could be directed by the men.

The men's partnership with 1010 resulted in the creation of six fully accessible, affordable two bedroom apartments with consumer directed day and night support services. These apartments were integrated into an highrise apartment complex located on Westwood Drive in St. James. The spacious two bedroom units offer the six men an opportunity for continued growth and family development.

Via the partnership with Ten Ten Sinclair the men identified the working relationship each party would assume for the management of their personal assistance needs. The duties and responsibilities are shared by both parties and match the men's desired level of control over directing their staff.

An underlying theme throughout the project was the "Evolution of Empowerment." Watching, learning and doing has enabled the men to gradually gain the skills, ability, and knowledge necessary to direct their own personal living situation.

A second Cluster was moved into the community in 1994. Ten members worked with 1010 and a newly developing housing coop. The coop was designed and built as affordable Barrier Free housing for 25 members. Again, 1010 has extended administrative and staffing supports similar to the Westwood project to this satellite site.

For further details related to the development of these projects please contact Don Ament

Eilene Hyde handles tenancy queries and applications. She can be contacted at (204)339-9268 ext.227.