Impact Story
A Home of One's Own
How Legacy Homes Helps People with Intellectual Disabilities Live Independently in their Community
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For nearly 20 years, Community Involvement Legacy Homes (Legacy Homes) has been helping people with intellectual disabilities find affordable housing in their community. This support enables people like Devin Dean to live independently in his own home, staying close to family and building community connections.
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An extroverted people person, Devin enjoys spending time with family, connecting with his neighbours and going to church. Born with cerebral palsy, he uses a wheelchair and requires 24/7 care and support. While his support needs may be complex, Devin has always enjoyed being part of his community.​
Devin, with his brother Darrell, in his Gananoque home.
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Devin’s family, including his brothers Darrell and Dwayne, has played a vital role in supporting his independence. "The conversation about housing for Devin began over 25 years ago,” says Darrell. “It’s been a journey to find a solution that allows him to live as independently as possible."
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A Family's Vision
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Devin's journey to independent living didn't happen overnight. Darrell recalls the early days when the family first discussed Devin's future housing.
"Devin told us in many ways that he didn't want to live in a group home. He always wanted to be in the same community with us, in his own home, whatever that looked like," Darrell says.
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In 2005, families receiving support from Brockville & District Association for Community Involvement (BDACI) established Legacy Homes—a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding housing solutions for people with intellectual disabilities in the Leeds and Grenville region.
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Devin and Darrell’s mother Mary was one of the founding members, and Darrell would later serve on the board for ten years, including five years as president.
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"I think this was Mom’s vision from the beginning, that Legacy Homes would one day support Devin personally," says Darrell.
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Finding the Right Home​
In 2015, the family started working with Legacy Homes to find a suitable property for Devin. Their goal was to create a living situation where Devin could have his own space while still receiving the support he needed.
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Legacy Homes takes a unique approach to housing. "We don’t have properties waiting to be filled,” says Legacy Homes Board President Doug Utting. “Instead, we work with prospective tenants and their families to find a home that fits their lifestyle, needs and budget. This allows people to live independently, in a community they choose. We manage the housing side and community agencies provide the day-to-day support.”
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The separation between housing and support is an important distinction. Legacy Homes helps tenants and families find, secure and keep affordable housing. Partner organizations like BDACI provide the support services for tenants to live independently. Together, they create a space where people with intellectual disabilities can make everyday choices, like deciding who they welcome into their home—something often missing in institutional settings.
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The Dean family found a small house in Gananoque, newly renovated but not yet accessible. They made a downpayment, and Legacy Homes paid the mortgage and secured a grant from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG). Over the course of a year, modifications were completed to make the home accessible and Devin moved in March 2020.
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"The house is a good fit for Devin," Darrell says. "Living in a small town like Gananoque makes it easier for him to get to know people. Whenever he walks down the street, his neighbours stop to talk to him.”
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Thinking Outside the Box
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As Devin settled into his new home, his support circle discussed what he would need to live independently.
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“Very few families would be able to afford in-home support for 24 hours a day,” says Kimberley Gavan, BDACI Executive Director. “We knew the family would play a significant role in the support, but spending 30 hours a week on top of work and other commitments is not sustainable over time.”
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That’s when Legacy Homes, BDACI and the Dean family started thinking creatively. They thought—what if we could build a secondary unit on the property for a tenant who would provide some support in exchange for reduced rent?
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This idea became a reality with UCLG’s Landlord Secondary Suites Program, which offers forgivable loans to property owners who create affordable rental units. After considering various options, including converting the garage or adding a tiny home, they decided to renovate the basement into a one-bedroom apartment.
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Local builder Songwood Contracting took on the project, and broke ground in autumn 2023.
"The project was complex and took some creative problem-solving,” says Theo Graham, Director of Songwood Contracting. “We converted an unfinished basement into a livable space, making sure it complied with all building and fire codes, while also considering things like soundproofing and functionality."​
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​The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom of the secondary suite.
The renovation was completed in March 2024. The resulting one-bedroom apartment is bright and compact, yet comfortable. It creates one more affordable living unit in the community and increases the property value—making a meaningful impact on many levels.
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A Model for Affordable and Equitable Housing​
This was the first project to be funded under UCLG’s Landlord Secondary Suites Program, and also received support from long-time community partners BDACI and Northern Cables.
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“The build went well, all the permits came through and the project was completed on time, and the end result was a beautiful unit,” says Caroline Rigutto, UCLG’s Affordable Housing Coordinator. “I hope this project shows other homeowners that supports are available to help add an affordable residential unit to their property.”
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For the Dean family, the secondary suite has been a game-changer. The tenant helps reduce the family’s caregiving load while also providing Devin with companionship.
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"Living on his own is a big deal for Devin," says Darrell. "It’s about being in control of his destiny—choosing what he wants to eat, when he wants to do things. It’s about personal freedom."
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Community Impact​
Devin’s home is more than just a place to live. It shows what’s possible when families, local businesses, nonprofits and government work together.
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In Gananoque, Devin is a familiar face, known and well-liked by his neighbours. From attending church on Sundays to sharing meals with family and friends at Gananoque’s waterfront restaurants, Devin’s life is rich with the moments that matter most.
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"He’s part of his community," says Darrell. "That’s what we always wanted for him."
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Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families​
While the housing crisis is well-documented, its impact on people with intellectual disabilities often goes unmentioned. With 75% living in poverty, this group faces a much higher risk of homelessness than the general population.
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“Legacy Homes is looking to change that,” says Doug, the nonprofit’s Board President. “We work with community partners and donors to help people like Devin and his family to find innovative housing solutions in Leeds and Grenville.”
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Legacy Homes welcomes support of all kinds to help people with intellectual disabilities to live independently. Donations, corporate sponsorships, in-kind services and time volunteered all go a long way in fulfilling the organization’s mission.​
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Sponsorships from local companies like Northern Cables contribute to projects like this and enable Legacy Homes to maintain properties—everything from seasonal maintenance to regular upkeep, repairs and renovations. “One of our partners alerted us to the need for Legacy Homes in the community, and we have been pleased to contribute to the cause ever since,” says Shelley Bacon, CEO of Northern Cables. This backing allows the nonprofit to meet the evolving needs of its tenants, and to assist Devin and others to create a home of their own.
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Every donation to Legacy Homes stays in the community and makes a real difference.
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For more information or to get involved, please email Doug Utting: president@cilh.ca​
