Harley's House - Supportive Living Complex

Who we are:
Girardi Foundation Inc. (a registered non-profit) and Harley’s House Inc., have set out on a joint mission to develop a semi-independent, adult transition home for intellectually challenged individuals, aged 18 - 21.
transition complex is being built in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The house is committed to providing a supportive living environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We will ensure that our residents have the opportunity to develop social and life skills that they require in order to live independently. Harley’s House will help to bring out the best in its residents and assist them to gain the confidence they need to self-advocate and fully function in society.

Harley’s House Believes…
1. Each person is unique and has equal worth
2. Each person has the right to educational and employment opportunities
3. Each person has the right to participate in their cultural community

The Story Behind Harley's House

The transition home is an idea that stemmed from Jody Foy’s ten (10) years of experience as a special education assistant. Jody’s inspiration came while working with the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division, in a life skills class setting. The idea materialized after she met a young man named Harley. Harley inspired her to dig deeper and pin point areas where the system could use improvements for helping young adults with intellectual challenges. Jody established that there was a need to have more housing accommodations, and more transitional support to bridge the gap from young man to adulthood. Harley’s House is the bridge to fill that gap for ages 18 - 21. Harley’s House will reduce the overall impact that transitioning usually has on a young person, reducing the probability of dangerous and unhealthy behaviour.

The Issue:

As these young people reach 18, they complete the programs (if any) that they are involved with and need  to transition to becoming an adult. The lack of available community supports and accommodations leave     them vulnerable to the loss of housing or homelessness or they sometimes have to remain in an                         inappropriate situation. A disproportionate number of people with disabilities are at risk for poverty, homelessness and risky behaviour. They are extremely vulnerable to financial, emotional and sexual abuse. They are at a greater risk to become involved with substance abuse and crimes to support themselves and their habits.
There is an isolation due to poverty, discrimination and lack of access to work. This isolation also extends to recreational, athletic and community activities. People of all ages, with intellectual disabilities, are often cut off from the ability to receive supports as they attempt to navigate bureaucratic systems or negotiate procedures to access community services, financial or emergency assistance or subsidized housing.

The Solution:

Harley’s House is a two level at grade, wheelchair accessible, semi-independent adult transition complex for individuals 18 - 21 years of age. Harleys House provides eligible/approved residents safe living accommodations for a maximum of two years. The house features 3,212 square feet, with a total of six independent bachelor suites, common area with a full sized kitchen, dining room, staff room, washroom and common area for visiting. Each of the six suites comes furnished with a twin sized bed, kitchen including a fridge and microwave, stackable washer and dryer and a washroom with a tub and show-er. On the main level, there is one larger suite that has been designed as a wheel chair accessible unit. Harley’s House will receive most of it’s energy from the sun through the use of a 6kW PV solar panel system. This will also help reduce the overall living cost to the residents of Harley’s House.

Supports & Services include, but are not limited to:

Cognitive (Thinking) Support
Social & Interpersonal Support
Emotional Support Cultural Support
Advocacy Support & Group Activities
Effective Communication 
Life Skills - cooking, cleaning, budgeting 
Life Skills - shopping, financial management 
Drug & Alcohol Awareness 
Abuse & Mental Health Awareness

Social & Interpersonal Support
Cultural Support
Spiritual Support
Recreational Support
Personal Development
Hygiene & Healthcare
Assistance with barriers to employment

The Need:

Our offer for land in Prince Albert has been accepted by the owner. We have completed all of the architectural drawings, 3D renderings and the financial and operational models. We now seek partnerships and donations by September 1, in order to raise the 1.5M necessary to complete the project.  Our first fundraising initiative in partnership with Cree Rhythm Clothing has just commenced.

The Ask:

We ask you to consider being a part of Harley’s House. We don’t want to see these special young people left behind and Harley’s House will ensure that they are not. Your support is imperative to make this vision come to life. Thank you for your consideration.

Harley's House