No matter how old you are, finding the right person to live with can be a challenge.
In the case of Morgan Joy and Krystal Nausbaum, their rooming situation is different – different because they are part of a research project.
“Friendly Housemates is a new model of support for individuals that have an intellectual disability,” said Matthew Poirier with Community Living Toronto.
The project, which is a partnership between Centennial College and Community Living Toronto, matches people with intellectual disabilities with students in post-secondary school.
“It’s important because Community Living Toronto really strives to be innovative and offer the individuals that we support more choice,” said Poirier.
“Choice where they live, and who they live with.”
Housemate Krystal Nausbaum has lived a semi-independent life for the last three years.
“I just love having my own independent life and making more independent decisions and choices for my own things,” said Nausbaum.
It can be difficult to find housing in Toronto – especially affordable housing – which makes this project ideal for both Krystal and Morgan, who have been living together since August.
“I am a grad of the developmental services worker program”, said housemate Morgan Joy.
“And there’s nothing more intensive for your learning than living and breathing your work.”
Friendly Housemates is a model where individuals can thrive of all abilities.
Comments