Let their light shine brighter.
Home provides us with a sense of security, of community, of pride. Yet over 13,000 Ontarians with intellectual disabilities do not have appropriate housing to call their own.
LIGHTS helps families achieve their plan for independent living. It is a program designed to give those with an intellectual disability the opportunity to learn, grow, and share on their own.
In partnership with Community Living Toronto, LIGHTS works to provide features of daily living that many of us take for granted yet are so essential to our sense of self: the ability to live with autonomy, the chance to reach our full potential, and a place to call home.
Help more Torontonians shine their light.
Those with intellectual disabilities often want nothing more than to be active, independent, contributing members of society. Yet only 6% of Ontarians with an intellectual disability are receiving appropriate supports, including housing.
In addition, many families looking for adequate housing are burdened by wait lists for funding. And rent prices in Ontario are only increasing.
In order to make their dreams come true, LIGHTS provides funding to families who cannot afford the start-up process of independent living.
What makes LIGHTS different?
LIGHTS empowers and provides networking opportunities and interim funding for families to help with the start-up cost of independent living for their loved ones.
If you or a family member has an intellectual disability, you know too well the challenges of finding adequate housing arrangements: the long waitlists, the leapfrogging from one agency to another, and the difficulty securing funding.
Since 2010, LIGHTS has been helping individuals with intellectual disabilities create homes to call their own—from the beginning of the process to the end.
How do we do it? By helping families identify their goals, by creating a plan and a budget, and by providing the advice and guidance needed to live a life with independence.
What are the steps to finding a home with LIGHTS?
From eligibility to move-in day, here are 5 steps that can help guide you on your way.
1
START THE PROCESS
2
CREATE A LIFE PLAN
3
DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
4
COMPLETE YOUR FUNDING PROPOSAL
5
BEGIN YOUR NEW LIVING ARRANGEMENT
THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY
AN ESTIMATED
250,000
Ontarians with an intellectual disability.
AND OVER
13,000
are on waiting lists for services.
While these figures might not paint an optimistic picture, LIGHTS is working to make living options more available, provide funding, and reduce wait times.
Alex’s inspiring story
When Alex opens the door of his new apartment, his beaming smile lights up the hallway. He invites us in, takes our coats, and with great pride, shows us his new home—the kitchen, the living room, and the amazing view from his bedroom.
Alex moved into his own home in the summer of 2013. Today, he has a job he loves at a local coffee shop, does his own shopping and cooks his own meals (with the FaceTime help of his brother Jamie), and hosts friends from his building.
LIGHTS founder, Mary Pat Armstrong, talks to Daytime Toronto
Meet the woman who started it all, the pioneering Mary Pat Armstrong. Mary Pat and her daughter Jenny’s dream of independence is how LIGHTS began. Hear more about their inspiring story.