Housing Ecosystem

Live

Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Autistic and neurodivergent people make decisions about where, how, and with whom they live.

People may live alone, with family, with a partner or roommate, or in other housing arrangements. Each person brings their own goals, preferences, strengths, needs, and experiences.

Autistic and neurodivergent people help shape more neuroinclusive housing by making choices about their homes, sharing what works for them, and participating in decisions that affect their lives.

Related roles: Tenant, homeowner, resident, renter, self-advocate

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Autistic and neurodivergent people in the Live section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Parent, Guardian, or Caregiver
• Landlord or Property Manager
• Neighbour
• Roommate

Build

Architect

Architects design buildings and spaces where people live.

They make decisions about layout, accessibility, lighting, acoustics, materials, safety, and how people move through a space. These decisions can affect how comfortable, usable, and inclusive a home is for different people.

Architects may work for design firms, housing developers, governments, non-profit organizations, or as independent consultants.

Related roles: Architectural designer, design consultant, accessibility consultant

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Architects in the Build section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• City Planner
• Builder
• Funder
• Interior Designer
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Build

Builder

Builders turn housing plans and designs into homes.

They work with architects, designers, trades, developers, and others to make decisions about construction, materials, safety, and building features. These decisions can affect how well a home meets different needs and preferences.

Builders may work for construction companies, housing developers, non-profit housing organizations, or as independent contractors.

Related roles: Developer, contractor, construction company, home builder

Explore resources: We are continuing to add resources for builders.

You may also find helpful information in the Architect and Interior Designer roles and the Build section of our Resources.

Have an idea for a resource or an opportunity to work together? Contact us.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Architect
• Interior Designer

Build

City Planner

City planners help communities decide how land is used and developed.

They make decisions that influence where housing is built, what types of housing are available, and how neighbourhoods connect to transportation, services, and community spaces.

City planners often work for municipal or regional governments, planning agencies, or consulting firms.

Related roles: Municipal planner, urban planner, land-use planner, planning professional

Explore resources: We are continuing to add resources for city planners.

You may also find helpful information in the Architect role.

Have an idea for a resource or an opportunity to work together? Contact us.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Architect
• Elected Official

Support

Community Support Services

Community support services help people achieve their goals and participate in their communities.

Support may include developing independent living skills, completing everyday activities, exploring housing options, connecting with resources, or navigating services.

These supports may be provided by non-profit organizations, disability service agencies, community organizations, or independent support providers.

Related roles: Personal support worker, social worker, community connector, navigator, independent living support provider, disability service provider

Explore resources: We are continuing to add resources for community support services.

You may also find helpful information in the Parent, Guardian, or Caregiver and Autistic or Neurodivergent Person roles.

Have an idea for a resource or an opportunity to work together? Contact us.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Parent, Guardian, or Caregiver
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Build

Elected Official

Elected officials make decisions about laws, policies, funding, and public priorities that affect housing opportunities in their communities.

They can also bring community experiences and priorities into government decisions about housing accessibility, cost, and inclusion.

Elected officials serve at the municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal levels.

Related roles: Policymaker, municipal councillor, mayor, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament, Politician

Explore resources: We are continuing to add resources for elected officials.

You may also find helpful information in the Architect and Landlord or Property Manager roles.

Have an idea for a resource or an opportunity to work together? Contact us.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• City Planner
• Funder
• Housing Administrator

Support

Friend or Natural Supporter

Friends, relatives, and others in a person’s support network can help as someone prepares for, finds, and lives in housing.

They may help explore housing options, plan a move, solve problems, connect with resources, or manage everyday activities.

The type and amount of support will depend on the person’s needs, preferences, and choices.

Related roles: Supporter, sibling, relative, friend, chosen family

Explore resources: We are continuing to add resources for friends and natural supporters.

You may also find helpful information in the Parent, Guardian or Caregiver role and the Support section of our Resources.

Have an idea for a resource or an opportunity to work together? Contact us.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Parent, Guardian, or Caregiver
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Build

Funder

Funders help pay for housing developments, programs, research, and services.

Their funding decisions can create housing opportunities, improve existing housing, and support services that meet different needs and preferences.

Funders may include governments, foundations, financial institutions, investors, and other organizations.

Related roles: Funding organization, foundation, government funder, investor, philanthropist, donor, funding administrator

Explore resources: We are continuing to add resources for funders.

You may also find helpful information in the Architect and Interior Designer roles.

Have an idea for a resource or an opportunity to work together? Contact us.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Architect
• Builder
• Elected Official

Manage

Housing Administrator

Housing administrators manage the day-to-day operations of housing organizations.

They communicate with residents, connect people with resources, coordinate community activities, and help improve housing policies and practices.

Housing administrators may work for affordable housing providers, non-profit housing organizations, supportive housing programs, and other housing organizations.

Related roles: Housing coordinator, housing program staff, resident services staff, housing provider

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Housing Administrators in the Manage section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Landlord or Property Manager
• Elected Official

Build

Interior Designer

Interior designers plan how indoor spaces look, feel, and function.

They make decisions about lighting, colour, materials, furniture, fixtures, signage, and layout. These choices can affect how comfortable, accessible, flexible, and sensory-friendly a home or shared space is.

Interior designers may work for design firms, housing developers, builders, housing providers, or directly with people in their homes.

Related roles: Interior decorator, design consultant, space planner

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Interior Designers in the Build section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Architect
• Builder
• Landlord or Property Manager
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Manage

Landlord or Property Manager

Landlords and property managers oversee rental housing and work directly with tenants.

They communicate with tenants, respond to concerns, maintain properties, and provide reasonable accommodations. Their practices can help make rental housing more accessible, welcoming, and responsive to different needs.

Landlords and property managers may work independently or for private, non-profit, affordable, supportive, or community housing organizations.

Related roles: Housing provider, rental housing provider, property management company, building manager

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Landlords and Property Managers in the Manage section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Housing Administrator
• Neighbour
• Roommate
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Support

Parent, Guardian, or Caregiver

Parents, guardians, and caregivers may provide practical, emotional, or decision-making support as someone prepares for, finds, and lives in housing.

They may help explore housing options, connect with services, build independent living skills, plan a move, or communicate with others. The type and amount of support depends on the person’s needs, preferences, and choices.

When someone reaches the legal age of adulthood, their parents and caregivers do not automatically have the authority to make decisions for them. An adult may choose to give someone permission to help with certain decisions or use formal decision-making agreements.

Rules and options vary across Canada. Supported decision-making allows adults to make their own decisions with assistance. Guardianship is different and gives another person legal authority to make certain decisions on an adult’s behalf.

Related roles: Natural support, Parental figure

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers in the Support section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Community Support Services
• Friend or Natural Supporter
• Partner or Spouse
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Support

Partner or Spouse

Partners and spouses may share a home, make housing decisions together, and manage everyday responsibilities.

They can provide practical and emotional support, plan for housing changes, and work together to create a home that meets both people’s needs and preferences.

Related roles: Significant other, Domestic partner, Life partner, Common-law or adult interdependent relationship (AIR).

Explore resources: We are continuing to add resources for partners and spouses.

You may also find helpful information in the Roommate and Parent, Guardian, or Caregiver roles.

Have an idea for a resource or an opportunity to work together? Contact us.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Roommate
• Parent, Guardian, or Caregiver
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Support

Roommate

Roommates share a home and often share spaces, expenses, and everyday responsibilities.

They can help create a home where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and safe. Clear communication, shared expectations, and respect for different needs and preferences can help roommates live well together.

Related roles: Housemate, co-tenant, shared-living partner

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Roommates in the Support section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Partner or Spouse
• Neighbour
• Landlord or Property Manager
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person

Manage

Neighbour

Neighbours are people who live near one another and share a community.

They may live in the same building, on the same street, or in the surrounding neighbourhood. Through everyday interactions, communication, and respect for different needs and preferences, neighbours can help create communities where people feel welcome, safe, connected, and included.

Related roles: Community member, resident, fellow tenant

Explore resources: Find information and resources for Neighbours in the Support section.

Possible people to collaborate with:

• Landlord or Property Manager
• Roommate
• Autistic or Neurodivergent Person