Join us for a virtual conversation about secure housing and its role as a social determinant of health.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Hosted by Autism Society Alberta’s Family Resource Centres.

How does housing security fit into a comprehensive framework of social justice for Autistic people?

Christopher Whelan, an Autistic registered social worker, joins us for a conversation about secure housing and its role as a social determinant of health. This presentation will review the historic and ongoing context of housing insecurity for adult-aged Autistic Albertans, the resulting impacts on health, and policy suggestions for fair and equitable access to housing for Autistic Albertans.

To reserve your spot for this Lunch & Learn event, click the button below that says “Autistic Housing: A Framework for Social Health.”

Autistic Housing: A Framework for Social Health

 

About the Presenter

In 2020, Christopher Whelan conducted primary research regarding adult-aged Autistic Albertans’ experiences of housing and housing security. The findings of this research, published by the AIDE Canada network and the Sinneave Foundation, informed an actionable understanding of the social issues faced by the Autistic community.

Christopher Whelan has conducted interventions for housing security, addiction recovery, and mental wellness in multiple communities within Alberta and across Canada. They obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2022, and currently perform clinical interventions for people who have lost their homes to climate-related disasters in Atlantic Canada.

This month, the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) is talking about the essential components of finding Market Housing: Searching, Viewing and Applying.

Together we will explore these stages of the housing search process so you can improve your chances of being approved for the housing opportunity of your choice. You will increase your confidence and familiarize yourself, so you are prepared when you decide to make your move! For example: What should I look for in a rental? What questions should I ask when attending a viewing? What should I include on my application to rent? What might I omit? Join us to discuss and learn more.

Search, View, Apply: How to get approved for Market Housing is offered In-person at Autism Edmonton’s office (11720 Kingsway Northwest Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5)

and Virtually, May 31 @ 6:30 p.m.

To register for this FREE monthly meeting, click the appropriate link below.

In-person: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/632778717177  with Light Refreshments

Virtual: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/632743241067

 

A Little About AHNA

Autism Edmonton and Autism Alberta have created an exciting new housing program to advance opportunities with affordable housing providers for autistic adults within the province of Alberta. We are building connections and increasing awareness among communities and rental providers throughout the province. If you are looking for housing solutions within the next year, we can support and help you navigate to housing and other related supports you may need.

*Please note: we currently do not provide emergency housing. Should you be in need of emergency housing we are able to provide you with a list of supports and agencies that you can access to assist you.

Key Program Features:

  • Must have income that can support your needs
  • Able to live independently
  • Complete an intake form that better helps us understand how to best support you

Who is it for:

  • Neurodiverse people who have inadequate housing
  • Adults living with family looking to move out
  • Autistic people in vulnerable or unsafe housing

Things to Consider:

  • Are you able to live independently?
  • Can the community support your needs?
  • What level of support would you need to live in the community?
  • Are you looking for friendly, involved neighbours or your own space
  • Where would you like to live?
  • When would you like to move?

Click Here to join the Network and stay informed of educational and housing opportunities in Alberta. (This link will take you to a sign-up page where you can choose from a variety of areas of interest – please select the Housing option.)

In recognition of National Housing Day, this webinar will highlight lessons learned over the years by The Sinneave Family Foundation’s (Sinneave) housing team.

Sinneave has worked with autistic adults, families, affordable housing providers and support agencies to help many autistic adults find a home of their own. This presentation will share ideas that promote action to enhance housing opportunities and will be relevant for housing providers, support agencies, autistic/neurodivergent adults and their support networks.

About the Presenters

Carolyn Dudley – Knowledge Exchange Facilitator, The Sinneave Family Foundation
Carolyn has worked at Sinneave in research, policy and housing for many years. In her current role, she interviews autistic adults and their families on the process of finding housing, what works, and what doesn’t work. The knowledge gathered over many years and lessons learned will be beneficial to a wide audience.

John Seigner – Housing Specialist, The Sinneave Family Foundation
For over 10 years, John has helped many adults and their families find affordable and supported housing. John will share examples of the lessons learned through working with autistic adults, affordable housing providers, and support agencies.

 

This presentation is offered in partnership with Aide Canada and hosted on their platform.

Click here to access the recording on the AIDE Canada website.

 

About AIDE Canada

The Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE Canada) is a tool to connect members of our community to the information and resources that they need. They deliver credible, reliable, and evidence-informed resources in an unbiased and accessible way. For more information about AIDE Canada, visit their website by clicking the words, AIDE CANADA.

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