A Community Connector assisting people with developmental disabilities as they transition to more independent housing can have a significant impact on housing success and long-term stability. The Social Finance for Social Inclusion Solutions Lab has developed an outcomes-based pilot model to increase access to Community Connectors.
This type of support makes it easier for housing providers to welcome neurodiverse tenants while promoting a high quality of life. Connectors help integrate residents as full and valued members of the community. They can also facilitate volunteer or employment opportunities, further promoting an inclusive quality of life.
Who should attend?
Housing providers, Government funders, Support agencies, Self-advocates, Families
What will you learn?
- Understand the housing barriers residents with disabilities face
- Understand what Community Connectors do
- Understand the outcomes Community Connectors can help achieve
- Be aware of important metrics to consider when evaluating success
- Access a road map explaining what’s required to develop a pilot
- Explore potential partnership opportunities
Meet the Facilitators
Allison Annesley – Urban Planner, Solutions Lab Lead
Allison Annesley serves as the Project Lead for the Social Finance for Social Inclusion Solutions Lab. She is an urban planner specializing in stakeholder engagement, policy development, and strategic communications to advance sustainability. During her time as a municipal planner, Allison spearheaded outcomes-based performance measurement and reporting initiatives. Holding a LEED Accredited Professional certification, she has previously held the position of Vice President at Efficiency Capital, a provider of innovative financing for deep energy-efficiency building retrofits.
Additionally, Allison serves as a Board Director for PALS Autism Skills Society, the non-profit organization behind PASS Housing. She has also served as the former Board Vice Chair for TREC, the non-profit organization behind Tapestry Community Capital, which utilizes innovative financing to support affordable housing projects. Moreover, Allison actively contributes to policy development working groups for the Autism Alliance of Canada, with a particular focus on inclusive housing solutions.
Outside of her professional engagements, Allison is the proud parent of two young adult daughters, one of whom has a developmental disability.
Doug Tennant – CEO, Uniti Peninsula Estates Housing Society
Doug Tennant serves as the Chief Executive Officer of UNITI, a partnership of three not-for-profit organizations dedicated to building healthy and inclusive communities through advocacy, services, and housing. He firmly believes in the power of creativity to cultivate spaces where individuals of diverse abilities can thrive together. Doug holds a Master of Education degree with a focus on innovation in the arts.
With over 32 years of active involvement in the Community Living movement, Doug has contributed as a parent, a worker, and a volunteer. He is recognized as an expert in governance and provides annual training sessions to provincial boards. Additionally, Doug has held positions as the board chair of both the Surrey Board of Trade and the BC CEO Network.
James Chan – Capital Advisory Lead, SVX (Social Venture Connexion)
James Chan leads the advisory services team at SVX, assisting clients in deploying or raising investment capital for social, environmental, and community impact. He also serves as the Board Co-Chair of Inspirit Foundation, and previously served as a Board member of Tapestry Community Capital. Additionally, James is a 2023-24 Action Canada Fellow.
