How can we better understand accessibility under the umbrella of affordability?

At one point in time, the conversation around accessible and appropriate housing was largely fixed on the topic of income. Even here at NHA, we can admit that we’ve had a historically narrower view than we might prefer to think about nowadays.

But as we learn and mature as an organization, so too can our understanding of the housing we provide and who we provide it for. And as such, it lies with us not only to explore deeper conversations around accessibility in housing, but to encourage the private sector and governments to join us in that learning and ultimately, in ensuring improved outcomes for folks with all different sorts of housing needs.

We recently interviewed one of our residents (you can read his story here), Bruce, and he shared this:

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to accessible housing and the issue is that currently, funding for many accessibility requirements is politically motivated and not necessarily about the need. We need to detach the idea of accessibility supports from political affiliation or location. And fundamentally, governments have to have more trust in the people who use and need accessible and affordable housing, as we are the ones on the front lines!

His point, in a nutshell? That every accessibility case (which means every person, by the way) is different and so what we need is access to funding to represent that the need is diverse and we need to be able to create solutions that serve, instead of forcing people into a narrow idea of what accessibility is “supposed to” look like or which types of supports are feasibly covered by specific funding.

“We need to detach the idea of accessibility supports from political affiliation or location.”

We really took this conversation with Bruce to heart. In fact, it’s all of our engaged residents who have been making us look at our role as community housing providers differently for some time now.

Accessibility in housing doesn’t mean just folks requiring wheelchairs or only people with limited incomes. It means levered handles for folks with multiple sclerosis and automatic doors for people who use walkers. It includes automation and rethinking security features. It necessarily includes bathroom, kitchen, and entire apartment modifications. It occasionally requires shared spaces and often does not.

The idea of accessibility is extremely nuanced and necessarily includes a conversation about folks being able to age-in-place, to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible – and as long as they want. But how can a small non-profit provider ensure this for our residents? What can we do to assist folks of varying needs and mobilities and access to supports, in maintaining their homes and living long term with dignity?

We decided it was top of mind and needed a deeper dive. So, with the support of the Housing Transformation Centre, we are developing a Resident Wellness Strategy whose specific aim is to improve outcomes for residents, regardless of their income, their needs, or their ongoing supports.

We’re already learning some of the ways we might be able to better serve residents, as well as having some of our current best practices confirmed. The process will take us through to the end of next year, but we’re on the path and we’re excited to see what comes from it.

For now, NHA remains committed to ensuring that folks able to live independently but requiring some supports, whether accessible or of another nature, have a home that provides them choice, comfort, safety, security and community.

And our biggest hope for the future is to see governments understand the value of funding that preserves purpose-built rentals, and includes affordable housing options that serve a large variety of needs. That they will see that not everyone requires a fully supportive living facility and that everyone, regardless of income, deserves the right to choose where and how to live.

If governments and the private sector can begin to see accessible and affordable housing providers as their partners in providing a range of housing and care, and as the experts to be listened to, we can work together to ensure that everyone is appropriately housed in Calgary - and beyond.