Building Homes and Community: How CVNQuinte’s Housing Partnerships Make a Difference
At CVNQuinte, the vision is clear: foster interdependence and promote community integration for people who have a developmental disability and who may also be Deaf, hard of hearing or challenges with communication. These ideals are being realized through meaningful collaborations with key housing partners so people receiving support can live safely, comfortably, and interdependently.
A Community Approach to Housing
One of CVNQuinte’s important partners, Quinte Community & Housing First Partnership, is the driving force behind the unique accommodation opportunity offered at Great St. James. Bob Cottrell, President and CEO, describes their approach as a model for progressive, inclusive housing. “Partnership is in our DNA,” he says. "Our goal is to create spaces where the most vulnerable in our community have a place to call home”. This commitment to partnership is exemplified in the collaboration with CVNQuinte at Great St. James, where residents enjoy safe, affordable housing tailored to meet their needs.
The Role of Support Workers
At the heart of CVNQuinte’s approach are direct support workers, such as Darlene Hurlburt. She has been with the organization for 18 years. In her role, Darlene spends professional time rendering support so people can live in a way that maximizes interdependence while benefiting from the vigilance that CVNQuinte is contracted to provide.
Darlene shares that personalizing the living spaces at Great St. James is essential to empower each person to feel at home. “It’s important to help them feel that this apartment is theirs. It’s not just a generic space; it’s a home they can call their own,” she says. One resident loves cars and Darlene made sure to decorate his room with car-themed items. This personal touch is part of what makes CVNQuinte’s work so special: it’s not just about housing, but about creating a sense of belonging.
Responsive, Dependable Support
Joanne Goodfellow, a CVNQuinte supervisor and 25-year veteran of the agency, has witnessed the evolution of its housing partnerships. The current model offers a far more sophisticated alternative to traditional group home structures, she explains. “People here are now living in their own space and living with the support they need.”
Joanne emphasizes the importance of responsive collaboration with the housing partners: “If there’s an issue, we want to be there and help rectify it immediately,” she explains. Joanne recounts how, during a recent fire drill, CVNQuinte staff coordinated with the fire department to ensure residents' safety, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of each individual. “It’s about helping people feel that they’re part of a community that supports them through both good times and challenges,” she adds.
A Resident’s Perspective
Another person living at Great St. James, reflects on the positive changes the partnership has brought to her life. Before moving in, she lived in several shared environments, which she describes as challenging. Now, she appreciates the freedom and privacy her new apartment provides. “I like having my own space, meeting new people, and the friendly atmosphere here,” she shares. Her story is a testament to how quality housing and supportive environments can transform lives.
A Model for the Future
The collaborative efforts that have created the immensely successful partnership behind Great St. James serve as a model for socially inclusive and economically diverse housing going forward.
“We’re showing what’s possible when we work together,” Bob Cottrell asserts. With a mix of market-rate and affordable units, the building reflects a community where everyone, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive. This model has attracted the attention of local and regional leaders, who see it as a blueprint for addressing housing challenges across the region.
CVNQuinte’s partnerships in housing are about more than just providing a roof over people’s heads. They represent a commitment to creating spaces where everyone can live interdependently, feel valued, and integrate fully into their communities. Through collaboration with organizations like Altogether Housing and the dedication of employees, CVNQuinte is fostering a community where everyone has a place to call home.
Learn more about CVNQuinte housing partnerships in this micro-documentary:
