Community Integration Project
The Community Integration Project (CIP) assists people with newly acquired disabilities adapt to their housing and daily living needs while maintaining their quality of life within their home and community. Housing is a significant barrier for people with disabilities transitioning from rehabilitation to independent living – the CIP offers two specially-designed and equipped apartments to help during this process.
The CIP apartments are located at St. George’s Place in Vancouver, conveniently near Vancouver General Hospital and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. This modern complex includes a mix of residents with and without physical disabilities. The 2 CIP apartments, designed with fully-accessible washrooms and kitchens, are available for occupancy up to 6 months.
During their time at the CIP, clients also have access to support and services including:
Since launching in 1999, the CIP has helped almost 100 individuals and their families through difficult phases of their lives. Previous tenants have had conditions such as spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, neuro-musko-skeletal injuries or other disabilities. Sometimes clients find they can continue living in their current home, perhaps with modifications. In other cases, clients may decide that new living arrangements are required. The CIP helps clients determine their best options moving forward and assists them towards their ultimate goal.
In June 2018, Care BC partnered with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society (IFRC Society) to operate the program. Paul Gauthier (Founder & Executive Director at IFRC Society) as well as Chris Hoffley (Co-Founder and Board Member) have taken over responsibilities for the CIP, which most recently had been supported by Jean Budden.
Funding for the CIP is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health as well as by generous donors. We also thank St. George’s Place for their support of the Community Integration Project.
If you would like to support the Community Integration Project with a financial donation, please visit www.carebc.ca/donate.
The CIP apartments are located at St. George’s Place in Vancouver, conveniently near Vancouver General Hospital and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. This modern complex includes a mix of residents with and without physical disabilities. The 2 CIP apartments, designed with fully-accessible washrooms and kitchens, are available for occupancy up to 6 months.
During their time at the CIP, clients also have access to support and services including:
- Temporary housing at St. George's place and assistance securing permanent housing.
- Professional rehabilitation management focused on the individual's goals and assistance accessing rehabilitation services.
- Help identifying the individual's network of community supports
- Transitional support for the transfer from rehabilitation to independent housing.
- Assistance developing necessary skills to hire and monitor personal attendants.
Since launching in 1999, the CIP has helped almost 100 individuals and their families through difficult phases of their lives. Previous tenants have had conditions such as spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, neuro-musko-skeletal injuries or other disabilities. Sometimes clients find they can continue living in their current home, perhaps with modifications. In other cases, clients may decide that new living arrangements are required. The CIP helps clients determine their best options moving forward and assists them towards their ultimate goal.
In June 2018, Care BC partnered with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society (IFRC Society) to operate the program. Paul Gauthier (Founder & Executive Director at IFRC Society) as well as Chris Hoffley (Co-Founder and Board Member) have taken over responsibilities for the CIP, which most recently had been supported by Jean Budden.
Funding for the CIP is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health as well as by generous donors. We also thank St. George’s Place for their support of the Community Integration Project.
If you would like to support the Community Integration Project with a financial donation, please visit www.carebc.ca/donate.
Our Community Integration Project video "Regaining a Place in the Community", below, was produced during Jean Budden's time managing the program.