Group Aims to Create Supported Housing for Adults with Developmental Disabilitie

A new community organization is working to create supported housing for adults with developmental disabilities in South Frontenac.

True Friend Supported Independent Living Inc. is a grassroots non-profit formed by families and supporters of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization’s goal is to build and operate a small group home that would allow adults with disabilities to continue living in the community where they grew up.

Julia Atherley, president of True Friend and a long-time Harrowsmith resident, said the idea emerged from conversations among families concerned about the future housing needs of their children.

“Many families want their loved ones to stay in this community,” she said. “But there are very few housing options locally.”

Intellectual and developmental disabilities are lifelong conditions that affect learning, problem-solving and everyday life skills. They include conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Based on national disability survey data, it is estimated that more than 300 residents aged 15 and older in South Frontenac may be living with developmental disabilities.

Currently, there are no residential group homes for adults with developmental disabilities in the township. Families often place their loved ones on waiting lists for supported housing in larger centres, where wait times can be many years.

True Friend hopes to address that gap by creating a small residence that would house five adults and provide 24-hour on-site support.

The organization was incorporated in May 2024, and has registered charity status with the Canada Revenue Agency. Over the past several years, volunteers have completed feasibility studies, planning work and consultations with community organizations and developmental-services experts.

True Friend plans to fund the project through a combination of grants, government programs and community fundraising.

If you are a family interested in our mission or would like to support us please see more information about us at www.tfsil.ca or send an email to [email protected].