FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“At a time when social isolation and affordable community housing in Ontario are the hottest of topics, what an example Clarke Road could be for those looking for equitable solutions.”
– PHSS CEO, Brian Dunne
London, Ontario – One of Ontario’s most unique residential communities is holding an open house this holiday season, to celebrate the 5-year anniversary of PHSS Clarke Road, in London. The Clarke Road community was established by PHSS in 2018, when the location was obtained by PHSS from the City of London, under a formula that allowed tenants to pay significantly reduced rents. The 14-unit building is home to persons with varying disabilities supported by PHSS, as well as a mix of people from the wider community; including working people, retired persons and families.
“At a time when social isolation and community housing in Ontario are the hottest of topics, what an example Clarke Road could be for those looking for equitable solutions,” said PHSS President and CEO, Brian Dunne. “The lives of those we support at the Clarke Road residence are enhanced through their interactions with their fellow residents and community members, and vice-versa. We have so much to
teach one another.”
The concept for the mixed residential community at Clarke Road was inspired by the Babayagas House project, in Paris, France; a residential community created by women who wanted to forge an alternative to institutional style living in their old age. The result in that case was a 25-unit rent controlled building in Paris, with a mix of seniors and students. While the community at Clarke Road differs in that it is open to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of gender, the desire to create an affordable and truly inclusive community was at the heart of CEO Brian Dunne’s idea.
‘After the pandemic, the call from all corners was for action on the issue of social isolation; to provide vulnerable people an opportunity, so that we could reduce presentations at our emergency departments and hospital admissions,” said Dunne. “At PHSS, we knew the power inclusiveness had to address these issues long before COVID-19. Clarke Road and its residents have a powerful lesson to teach us, and I couldn’t think of a better one for all of us to take on board this holiday season.”
This year’s Holiday Open House at PHSS Clarke Road will take place between 10am and noon on December 18.
About PHSS – Medical and Complex Care in Community
PHSS is a unique provincial non-profit organization, dedicated to providing care and support for individuals with medical and complex needs at home, or in their communities. Aside from the work of its own Foundation, PHSS is funded by both Ontario Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). More than 800 PHSS employees and volunteers support hundreds of individuals and families across Ontario, from London and Owen Sound to the Greater Ottawa area. For more PHSS news, visit the Agency’s newsroom.
Media Contact:
Jeff Hull
Executive Lead, Communications
PHSS – Medical and Complex Care in Community
Office: 519-660-6635 x 234
Cell: 226-219-8911
Email: jeffh@phsscommunity.com
