#016: Housing Mini Series Part 2/6 - "On a waiting list for 22 years - this is what I've learned", With Ron Pruessen
Eric GollEpisode Description
Guest Ron Pruessen, father to Caroline, who has a developmental disability, member of Opportunities Mississauga, and Chair of the Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force. In this episode, Ron has an open conversation with me as a father and gives his personal perspective on housing for people with a developmental disability, rather than speaking for organizations and projects he is involved with.
This is Part 2 of a 6 part mini-series on housing for people with disabilities. We are exploring the housing issue for people with disabilities, new innovative ideas, and success stories from around the globe. Subscribe to the mailing list to get all 6 episodes sent directly to your inbox!
Ron has been advocating for people with disabilities for the last 20 years. He was moved to do something when he, and his wife Alice, found that there weren’t many opportunities for their daughter Caroline, now 40, when she graduated high school. Ron got involved in a family group called Opportunities Mississauga, which now represents about 200 families. Currently, Ron sits at the Partnership Table with the Ontario Provincial Government to voice what is needed in terms of support for people (and families) with a developmental disability. This led to the creation of the Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force (Housing Task Force), in 2015, to begin addressing the housing crisis for people with a developmental disability in Ontario. Ron currently serves as the Chair for the Housing Task Force.
As explained in Part 1 of the mini-series on housing, ‘Creating a Home, with Marg McLean’ (Listen Here) – there are 12,000 to 17,000 people in Ontario waiting for housing and the list is growing. I recommend you check out Part 1 as Marg and I explore the elements of creating a home, and I provide a Free Workbook to help guide you through creating your vision.
The Housing Task Force
The Housing Task Force was created by the Ontario Provincial Government, but it is not operated by the government. It is operated at arm’s length by individuals that need support, families, and members support agencies. It was evident that in the past the government wasn't looking outside the box, so the focus has been placed on finding creative solutions. The Housing Task Force was given $3MM in annualized funding, which has funded 18 pilot projects from the 200 proposals submitted. The Housing Task Force is now working closely with the people in the pilot projects to learn what is working, and what isn’t.
Personally, I love that the Ontario Government took an entrepreneurial approach to the problem, and allowed the Housing Task Force to test different ideas. The next challenge will be to fund and scale the housing models that have been proven to be effective in providing people a good life.
Ron shares that in his opinion it is the Government’s responsibility to provide housing and a good life for people with disabilities, just like they do for senior citizens. The Ontario Government didn’t do anything for a long time, but the current government deserves credit for the approach it is taking. However, Ron says there is much more work to be done.
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