[Ottawa, ON, March 27, 2023] – The Intentional Community Consortium, in collaboration with Reena, Community Living Toronto, OASIS, and Provincial Network on Developmental Services, kicked off their Advocacy Day [‘Day on the Hill’] this morning ahead of the 2023 Budget Presentation – with an opening press conference held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Consortium leaders addressed the importance of the National Housing Strategy and reiterated the significance of plans to increase deeply affordable and supportive housing for those with Developmental Disabilities across Canada.

The ICC group, including supported individuals and agency CEO’s, will spend the morning in direct advocacy with a multipartisan group of MP’s.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to speak on the pressing issues faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. We hope to create meaningful changes in policies and funding to make supportive housing accessible to those who need it the most,” said Bryan Keshen, CEO of Reena and founder of the ICC.

“At Community Living Toronto, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities,” added Brad Saunders, CEO, Community Living Toronto. “Our vision for housing is one which strikes a balance between inclusion and impact, creating spaces where people with intellectual disabilities can be integrated into communities and a true sense of belonging can be achieved.”

The National Housing Strategy presents an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

By increasing deeply affordable housing, the ICC seeks to provide solutions leading to better opportunities for this marginalized population.

– 30 –

Media Note:

Consortium leaders at the press conference this morning included: Bryan Keshen, CEO of Reena, Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, Dr. Claudine Cousins, CEO of Empower Simcoe, alongside supported individuals.

About ICC (Intentional Community Consortium | ICC (intentionalcommunities.ca))
Finding solutions to the affordable housing crisis faced by individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on housing, support services and community engagement. The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC), founded in 2017, is a registered not-for-profit, representing charities and not-for-profit organizations, working to solve the housing crisis for those with developmental disabilities
across Canada by:
● Using scale and shared learning from our member organizations
● Expanding affordable housing projects for mixed use with a preference to build multi-units projects of 20-units or more
● Combining the strength of our member organizations resulting in creating hundreds of housing units throughout Canada
● Creating a consortium advocacy approach to all levels of Government

About Reena (www.reena.org)
Reena promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values. Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions.

For media inquiries, please contact: