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August 2025 – Newsletter
Let’s Talk About Youth
1 in 5 youth in Canada lives with at least one disability.
The most common disabilities among youth aged 15-24 are mental health-related (psychological or cognitive disabilities), followed by learning disabilities and mobility challenges.
Affordable and accessible housing is a critical issue. Youth with disabilities are overrepresented in insecure housing or transitional living arrangements, and many stay with parents longer due to a lack of options.
There are few supported housing programs tailored specifically to youth transitioning from the child/youth system into adult services.
Many rely on Disability Assistance (PWD) from the provincial government, which is often insufficient to cover basic living costs, especially in high-cost areas like Metro Vancouver.
This makes programs like home sharing and inclusive housing options even more important.
“People with disabilities deserve the chance to build a life for themselves in the communities which they choose to live.”
Barack Obama
Important Days in the Disability Community
- August 1 – Emancipation Day
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
- August 4 – BC Day
- August 7 – World PVNH Disorder Awareness Day
- August 9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
- August 12 – International Youth Day
- August 19 – World Humanitarian Day
Transition to Adulthood – Things you should know
The transition from youth to adult services in BC can be confusing and disjointed. Services such as those through MCFD (Ministry of Children and Family Development) often end at age 19, while adult services like CLBC may have strict eligibility criteria.
This “service cliff” can lead to gaps in care, loss of supports, and regression in independence.
CLBC (Community Living BC) does not automatically support youth aging out of care. Families must apply and go through an eligibility process, often without enough guidance or transition planning.
Many young adults with disabilities report wanting more social connection, meaningful work, and chances to contribute, but struggle to find accessible programs and inclusive communities.
Why Financial Literacy Matters
For many young people, managing money can feel challenging, especially when also navigating life with a disability or balancing cultural traditions with modern financial systems. The good news is that there are free and accessible resources created with your needs in mind.
Financial literacy goes beyond simply saving and spending. It is about building the confidence and skills to make choices that support your goals and lifestyle. Whether you are opening your first bank account, applying for a credit card, or creating a personal budget, having the right knowledge can help you make informed decisions with ease.
Farmers Market Coupons Have Returned
The Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program has returned again this year, helping seniors and low-income families access fresh summer produce at local markets.
Each household enrolled in the program can receive up to $27 a week in coupons for up to 16 weeks. Free coupons are available now, but they run out fast.
Special Opportunity For New Musicians & Filmmakers
VIFF Amp is a free program that nurtures, educates, and champions emerging and newly established musicians and filmmakers through career development opportunities.
Participants will receive mentorship from industry experts and a $250 stipend towards professional development.
HSP Awards – Nominations Are Now Open!
Help us celebrate excellence in home sharing by nominating someone for the 2025 HSP Awards.
There are four categories to choose from.
Submit your nomination by August 29, 2025:
The New HSP Guidebook
We’ve heard from the HSP community that it’s hard to find clear and consistent information about home sharing. That’s why we created the Home Sharing Provider Guidebook.
This guide brings together key information from many different sources into one easyto-use document. It covers what you need to know as a home sharing provider, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience.
You can find the guidebook in the Resources section of our website at homesharingbc.ca/information-portal. Feedback welcome. Would like to have a topic included?
Email: executiveassistant@homesharingbc.ca
Looking for a HSP or Respite provider?
We heard from people interested in offering home sharing and respite. Looking for a Home Sharing Provider or respite provider? In July, 12 people expressed interest in being HSPs and Respite providers, with all but 2 indicating they are willing to work with complex support needs.
Contact us for more information.
A Day in the Life
Steven has Down syndrome. This could be a day in his life. This film takes a fun look at some of the interactions that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience in the community.
Video Length: 4:33 Minutes
Link: Open Future Learning (YouTube)
Ask an Expert: Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL)
WHAT is CRCL?
- CRCL stands for Crisis Response, Community Led
- A mobile, community-led team that offers support to individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance use-related crisis.
- We are 1 of 6 programs in BC – NW Van, Victoria, Kamloops, Prince George, Comox Valley (provincially funded)
WHAT DO WE DO?
- The team, comprised of a Mental Health Worker and a Peer Support Worker (someone with lived or living experience), attends to callers in crisis during scheduled service hours. The goal is to support, de-escalate, and provide info/resources to help ensure the PIC gets the care that they need to remain stable.
HOW:
- A person experiencing a crisis or someone worried about a person in crisis calls CRCL
- Team conducts triage & assessment via phone or text to ensure we are the appropriate service
- Crisis responders are dispatched to wherever the person is in the city of New Westminster to offer in-person support
- Connection to services + follow-up conducted 24-48 hrs following crisis event (if needed)
Calls can come directly from the person in crisis, or by a 3rd party – ex: community org; fire/police; a concerned bystander; library/community centre; family, friend, or neighbour
CONSENT
- CRCL support is voluntary + consent-based – support services will be delivered only if the Person In Crisis is willing to engage
- If a call comes from a 3rd party:
- The team will ask if consent is provided to call our team for support
- If “NO” – team can still respond, BUT will only move forward w/ offering support if the PIC is willing to and consents to service
Hours of operation/team makeup
- 7:00 am-11:30 pm, 7 days/week; callers in crisis 13+
- 2 crisis responders per shift – so if the team is already on a call, there may be a short wait
- We will triage calls that come in based on urgency, so there may be a wait time for response if the team is already out on a call
CALL/TEXT: 778-727-3909
HOURS: 7:00 am to 11:30 pm, 7 days/week
If someone is in immediate danger, please call 911.
The Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. We are particularly looking for individuals outside the Lower Mainland with experience as Self-Advocates, Home Sharing Providers, Service Providers, or with a background in
Finance/Accounting. Help shape the future of home sharing and improve inclusive housing options for adults with developmental disabilities across British Columbia. Meetings are held online, with opportunities for in-person connections.
Thank you for reading till the end. We have a little gift for you.
Tag us and another home sharing provider on social to win a gift card!
Facebook: Home Sharing Support Society BC
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Home Sharing Support Society BC 18th Flr, 450 SW Marine Drive Vancouver, British Columbia V5X0C3 Canada