My Choices for Where & How to Live
Thinking About What You Need & Want in Your Home
WHO
- Who do you want to live with: on your own, with family, roommates, or in supportive housing?
- Who are your supports: family, friends, care partners, guardians, or professionals?
- Who helps with decision-making, finances, or daily care if needed?
- Who is available in case of an emergency?
WHAT
- What type of home do you want or need (apartment, house, supportive or assisted living)?
- What accessibility features are important (stairs, elevators, ramps, wide doorways, grab bars)?
- What home modifications might be needed now or in the future?
- What level of privacy do you want for rest, sleep, and personal time?
- What health and safety needs do you have, like if you have a compromised immune system?
WHERE
- Where is the home located (neighborhood, city, rural or urban setting)?
- Where can you access a healthy environment (clean air, low noise, good ventilation, safe water)?
- Where are nearby health services (physician, specialist, hospital, urgent care, pharmacy)?
- Where are essential daily needs (grocery stores, transit, work, school)?
- Where are community spaces like parks, community centers, and recreation programs?
- Where are emergency services and evacuation routes located?
- Where do you feel safest and most comfortable?
“Have you been thinking a lot about where and how you want to live when you move out of your family home? Like the kind of neighborhood, the vibe, and whether it feels safe and comfortable? Maybe you want a place that’s easy to get around, close to work and health care, and has parks, stuff to do, and people to connect with? It can be helpful to talk it through with the people who know you best.”
Tip
Housing is a major challenge for many young people in BC. Check out all your options, costs, and any help or support from others or programs.
Youth Toolbox
Using Your Phone
Notes app to make your live of your choices for living.
Google app to explore types of housing. Remember, to always check your findings.
Contacts app to record the services in your area.
Exploring My Living Options
Learning about Types of Living Arrangements
Once you know what you need in a living space, the next step is to figure out where you want to live and how to afford it. Housing is a major challenge for many young people in BC, and for people with special care needs and limited incomes. Below are some options to consider and discuss with your parents and care partners.
Family Support
- Do you have the option of living with family or being supported by them?
- If not, would they be open to helping you live independently (by co-signing a lease, helping with rent, or offering other short-term support)?
- Is your family or community able to help with housing or financial support.
- Given the choice, would you prefer to live with family or to be supported by them to live independently?
- What boundaries would you need to set if you lived at home?
Shared Living & Roommates
- Many young people, especially those in school, manage housing costs by sharing rent with roommates or friends.
- If you think this might be a feasible option for you, think about what supports you need in a roommate (emotional support, practical support, and more)?
- Do you need help finding a roommate who can be understanding of your health needs?
- Do you have close friends who you can discuss living with?
- Do you and your family need help finding housing for you as an adult?
- Know that some local health authorities and non-profit organizations have navigators or social workers who can assist in finding appropriate housing for people with special health needs.
- Consider asking for help from professionals who can provide personalized guidance on applications, eligibility, and finding the right fit.
Specialty Housing
- Check out the “Right Fit Program’ to help adults find accessible housing in BC. The program provides peer-led navigation to wheelchair users and their families Including an assessment of all disability support needs, including home support, equipment, and assistive technology.
- Accessible housing can mean different things. It is a good start to list out what you need, so that when you are looking, you can find a place that is right for you.
- Check out this updated listed for accessible housing options from ‘The Right Fit’ to start to explore what you want, need and the costs.
Student Housing Options
- If going to or at college or University in BC, ask if they accessible rooms, elevators, and supports for students with mobility, sensory, or health needs.
- Check out buildings designed for students near campuses. Call the property manager to see if they are accessible and meet your needs.
- Depending on where you are going to school – you can contact student housing, accessibility or disability services, student affairs, and the Campus health office to get more information that meets your needs.
- Many schools also offer priority decisions for housing to student with special health needs backed up by a letter from a physician or specialist.
“Have you ever looked at different ways to live or be supported if you want to move out of your family home? Once you know what you need and want in a place to live, the next step is figuring out where to live and how you’ll afford it. Housing can be a real challenge for many young people in BC—especially if you have extra care needs or a limited income—so exploring your options and talking them through with your parents and care partners can really help.”
Tip
Housing is a major challenge for many young people in BC. Check out all your options, costs, and any help or support from others or programs.
Youth Toolbox
Using Your Phone
Notes app to make your live of your choices for living.
Google app to explore types of housing. Remember, to always check your findings.
Contacts app to record the services in your area.
