Homeshare is an alternative living program that offers people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live within a family or person's home.

People are matched to families/people who share similar interests and compatibility. Most often our placements are long-term with an emphasis on commitment to inclusion, growth, and opportunity.

Families or people interested in becoming a Homeshare provider are required to complete a comprehensive screening process (including police checks) and participate in in-home visits with the Homeshare Supervisor.

Homeshare providers receive training, remuneration, respite, and support.

Friendly Housemates, an initiative of Community Living Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln, assists tenants with and without a disability in West Niagara who choose to live together in a multi-bedroom home, agreeing to create a community within their home and engage in activities of mutual interest. There are two options available currently – Beamsville and Caistor Centre. 

The desire for quality, affordable housing in West Niagara is a goal shared by many of its residents, and the need for community connections, belonging and purpose in the way we live is shared by most. They are fundamental elements of what it means to be human and contributing citizens. Time and circumstance influence the applicability of these ideals for any person considering a shared living experience. Apart from the need for accommodations, the biggest challenges for transition to successful independent living for people who have an intellectual disability are isolation, safety, and security.

Friendly Housemates, by virtue of their presence, serve as a social safety net for everyone in the home and are key in the development of new relationships, interests, and skills.

Family support coordinators assist the families who have a child or adult family member who has a developmental disability living in their home. Assistance is tailored to each family’s needs but could include the following: Case Coordination, respite recruiting, planning short and long term, applications for funding, administration of funds, school supports and transitions toward work planning.

Every person’s needs, desires, aspirations, social milieu and limitations are unique. We offer a variety of options to meet the needs of each individual. These include experiential enhancement, community, volunteerism, crafting, exercise, cooking, special outings, and many other activities. Our staff are constantly on the lookout for new ideas and ways to get people involved and participating in the richness of life in their community. We pride ourselves on flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of our participants and their families.

There are numerous activities that occur weekly at the Livingston Resource Centre in Grimsby. These sessions vary 4 times a year:

• January to March
• April to June
• July to September
• October to December

For more information regarding programs please contact Amy Lacasse at 905-563-4115 ext 141 or by email at alacasse@cl-grimsbylincoln.ca