Ever since our daughter was old enough to put it into words and action she has been doing one thing: saving her money. First she was saving for a purple Mini Cooper and then when epilepsy made driving impossible, she kept working hard and is now saving for a home, saving for her future. Our daughter has an intellectual disability which means that she would need to live in a very special place; a place that was affordable, accessible and supportive. A place like Harmony.
Unless you have a relative with a disability you probably do not realize how lucky we are to live in Surrey. Here we are fortunate enough to have UNITI. According to the website:
"UNITI is the partnership of the three affiliated societies that have provided important community services for decades. Semiahmoo House Society provides quality services and supports to people with disabilities and their families in Surrey and White Rock. Peninsula Estates Housing Society provides affordable and inclusive housing that reflects the diversity of our community. The Semiahmoo Foundation ensures that UNITI has the recognition, relationships and resources to support an inclusive community." This combination of these three vital organizations in our community makes us unique.
Since she is now an adult, our daughter realizes that she will not always live with us, her parents. We are already older than most of her peers' parents so time is important. Every day is an opportunity for our daughter to add to her skill set and knowledge base in order to become more independent. Disabled folks like her have the right to live independently in a community that lifts them up and supports them. And as their literature explains, Harmony is a 91 rental home, 6-storey inclusive building which will be affordable and inclusive housing for the life of the building. It will house families, seniors, people with disabilities and others.
If you want to help, this is what you can do:
1. Please email Surrey City Planner Christa Brown at Christa.Brown@surrey.ca 2. Follow us on @uniti4all on social media for updates. #3. Sign the petition. #WeNeedHarmony. Our daughter is counting on you!
Thank you for sharing your story. And thank you for supporting Harmony! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading! I appreciate it!
DeleteThank you for sharing your story, Jacqueline. Your daughter is a great example of why Harmony is needed. I am sure that it will be built, although the present bumps in the road are quite frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We are behind you and Harmony all the way!
DeleteThank you for being a voice in this. I am a tenant of Chorus and I must say that we (together with my family) are living testament of the need for affordable and inclusive housing options. Chorus is our home and we want others to find Harmony as theirs.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Chorus is a wonderful example of what can be...we're with you!
DeleteThank you for sharing this. I have a granddaughter with intellectual challenges, and it makes me hopeful, knowing there will be a welcoming, supportive home for her at Harmony when she is ready to spread her wings. I am a big supporter or Harmony. It will be so welcome in our community!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Harmony gives me hope as well....Thanks for your support.
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