Alink’s PODS creating homes, building skills
A housing initiative spearheaded by Alink Foundation with community partners is creating independent living opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and neurodiverse individuals.
Using the PODS (Planned Opportunities for Development and Support) model, Alink’s first cohort of four young adults now live independently in the Arlene Fels Housing pod, renting two units on the same floor of a regular apartment building. All work during the day and share an educator, who provides support related to household tasks like cooking and cleaning, and also scheduling, hygiene and providing emotional support.
Harriet Sugar Miller, co-founder and president of Alink, describes the PODS model as a practical way to help people who are seeking independence but still need some guidance. “Most people with develop-mental disabilities have low to moderate support needs,” she explained. “These are the people we’re trying to help.”
On February 6, Alink celebrated this initiative at a Lunch and Launch at the Gelber Conference Centre with community partners and advocates. It marked the beginning of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month.
Alink became a nonprofit in 2018 and a registered charity in 2023. In 2019, they began working with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal and Les Maisons Kehilla to explore supportive housing options for young adults. Although early plans were delayed by changes in social housing funding, thepartners pushed forward. They recently reached the milestone of signing their first housing pod agreement with the CIUSSS.
Working in collaboration with Alink are the CIUSSS, Agence Ometz and Les Maisons Kehilla. Its programs are also supported by Azrieli Foundation, Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation, Canerector Foundation, Federation CJA and Arlene Fels.
“We know that a safe, stable home can change the trajectory of someone’s life,” said Leah Berger, chief executive officer of Les Maisons Kehilla. “If you have the right supports, the impact is profound.”
Dominique McCaughey, past chief executive officer of Agence Ometz and currently chief operating officer of the Azrieli Foundation, has been involved in the project for several years in both roles. “One of the most breathtaking parts of this project is how it’s pulled all of these partners together,” she said. “Government, foundations, community organizations, commit-ted parents and community residents. This is a model for how an inclusive community should work.”
