For most consumers, supportive housing is provided in community group residences on a 24-hour basis. In addition to a developmental disability, persons receiving 24-hour support also have significant medical or behavioural support needs. There is a total of 76 persons receiving 24-hour support in 15 locations throughout the City of Thunder Bay, extending out into the nearby villages of Murillo and Rosslyn. These homes range in size from 4 beds to 6 beds. Many were specially constructed to provide maximum accessibility to persons requiring wheelchair use for mobility. Even with the larger homes, all blend in with and enhance their surrounding neighbourhoods.

Support is available in the areas of self-care, activities of daily living, leisure and recreation activities as well as basic health care and behavioural support. The type and duration of support provided in each home is determined by the individuals’ needs as articulated in their personal plans.  Each of these plans forms the basis for a Personal Support Agreement between the consumer and OPTIONS northwest.

For some consumers, support is provided in their own homes through individualized funding agreements. These consumers have selected OPTIONS to provide their supports, a decision which they have made supported by family and friends.