Local champions for inclusive housing are celebrating a sizeable donation that will help subsidize dedicated rental units for adults with intellectual disabilities.
On Tuesday, May 6, representatives from Affordable Housing Societies, Delta Housing Be Mine Society and the City of Delta came together at Reach Child & Youth Development Society’s Ladner headquarters to receive a cheque from Headwater Projects and its development partner, Bridge & Elliott LP, for $300,000.
The companies’ donation will subsidize monthly rents for 10 dedicated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in a Ladner seniors’ development, bringing the cost down $500 per unit for five years.
(Editor's note: Though it has been previously reported, Affordable Housing Societies and Delta Housing Be Mine Society have requested that the building's name be omitted from this and any future stories, citing a recent policy change to prioritize the safety and privacy of vulnerable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.)
This initiative underscores the importance of collective action, according to a press release, and demonstrates how partnerships between the non-profit sector, private organizations, and government can address pressing housing challenges and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
“At Headwater, we believe that housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head; it’s the foundation of strong, resilient communities. That belief has guided our work from the start, and it’s what brought us here today,” McGregor Wark, vice president at Headwater Projects, said in a press release.
“This initiative is about more than just dollars; it’s about people. It’s about ensuring these homes remain accessible to those who need them most, and about empowering residents with intellectual disabilities to thrive.”
Representatives from Affordable Housing Societies and Delta Housing Be Mine Society emphasized the impact such contributions have on individuals often left out of housing conversations.
“For parents and caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities, there’s a question that weighs heavily: ‘What happens to my child when I can no longer care for them? Where will they live? Will they belong?’” Delta Housing Be Mind president Shirley-Ann Reid said in a press release.
“When all levels of government and community step up alongside socially minded developers like Headwater, good things happen in our community. The Ladner apartments are an amazing example of that,” added Stephen Bennett, CEO of Affordable Housing Society.
An April 2025 report from the BC Non-Profit Housing Society highlighted the growing demand for affordable housing, noting Metro Vancouver requires 11,400 new affordable rental units each year. Initiatives like the one celebrated in Ladner last week represent vital progress in reducing that gap and ensuring that housing options remain within reach for those who need them.
“It’s so important that we work together and promote opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is an example of people coming together and making it happen. I hope this will take off and show other developers that they can do this too,” Delta Mayor George Harvie said in a press release.
