HomeShare

First, you must be approved for the Disability Support Program (DSP).

To determine if you are eligible you can call the Department of Opportunities and Social Development office and ask for the DSP. They will check your eligibility and funding.

A DSP Coordinator will help make your plan and tell you your funding. Then, you take this to a Coordinating Organization. Together, you will talk about your needs, preferences, and next steps. If one organization cannot meet your needs, you can try another.

Yes. You can meet Providers and try visits. A match only happens with your agreement. If you already know someone you want to live with, they must complete the Home Study and screening.

All Providers must meet standards before approval.
If they are not approved, you can talk with your DSP Coordinator about other options.

Yes, some family members (siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents) may qualify.
Parents, spouses, and children cannot be Providers.

HomeShare cannot be in a parent’s home (including basement apartments or suites).

If the HomeShare is not right for you, the Coordinating Organization can help make a new plan. You need to give them 60 days notice.

If unsafe, you do not have to wait the full notice period. You will never have to stay somewhere unsafe.

Yes. Every home has rules. Before moving in, you and the Provider should agree on them. Rules are meant to keep the home safe and respectful.

There are two kinds of funding:
1. Room and board – covers rent, food, and utilities. Usually paid through DSP.
2. Support funding – based on your plan and needs. Managed by the Coordinating Organization.

A safeguard is something that protects you from harm. There are different types of safeguards to support you.

Informal safeguards are trusted people in your life, like family, friends, and neighbours.

Formal safeguards are checks done by Coordinating Organizations. This includes:

● Home Study and safety checks
● Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector checks
● Reference checks
● Regular home visits (at least 4 times a year)
● Monthly check-ins

Before starting, Providers usually learn about:

● The Coordinating Organization
● Community Living history
● The Human Rights Remedy
● Key processes and contacts
● Incident reporting
● Medication basics
● Emergency planning

They must also complete 5 hours of training each year, plus any training needed for your specific support.

You can stay as long as it meets your needs and you want to. It can be short-term or long-term.

Yes. You have the right to work, study, volunteer, and join community life.