Sparwood, BC - The Crowsnest Community Support Society (CCSS) is excited to have completed construction of the second affordable housing project for adults with disabilities in Blairmore. CCSS currently supports 23 adults with developmental disabilities within the Crowsnest Pass. They provide vocational supports, residential supports and supportive living within the community. The goal is to replace older, outdated houses that no longer meet the Society’s needs with safe, accessible housing. The long-range vision is to grow the housing capacity within the community. This much-needed project is centrally located providing easy access between houses and the downtown core.

The residences are designed to blend attractively with their neighbourhood. The first home, completed in 2012, is a wheelchair accessible bungalow which provides a safe, supportive environment for up to four individuals with two staff providing 24-hour assistance. The newly completed second home features two separate suites. The upstairs accommodates three people with one support staff in residence; the downstairs suite can house two people with one support staff. The third home, scheduled to commence this fall with the clearing of the adjacent lot and with construction to begin in spring 2014, will feature a similar layout.

The cost of each 1500 sq. ft. home is approximately $300,000. Rental of the units are kept low to meet the goal of being affordable while covering the costs of ongoing upkeep and maintenance. The Society operates a workshop where adults with disabilities produce goods for purchase; providing a source of income and enabling clients to be contributing members of the community.

This project is being funded through the sale of Society owned property, reserve funds and donations. Teck previously provided funding to the Society for the purchase of three generators that will supply emergency power to two houses and the workshop. On October 24, 2013 Teck presented the Society with a $50,000 donation to assist with construction costs for the 2013 and 2014 projects. The safe, affordable housing project will enhance not only the lives of adults with disabilities, but the entire community of Blairmore.