Supporting adults with diverse needs in Caledon by providing inclusive homes that foster dignity, care, and community.

Disabled man and friend feeling happy and giving each other a fist bump while listening to music at home

OUR MISSION

Close 2 Home Caledon was founded with a clear and urgent mission: to provide community-based supportive housing for individuals facing developmental challenges and diverse abilities, all while ensuring they stay close to their families and their community.

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MEET THE FOUNDERS

Meet Liana, Elena
and Blanca

Close 2 Home Caledon was founded in 2024 by Liana Cancian and Elena Rosati, two Caledon mothers who have personally experienced the challenges of limited housing options in Caledon and insufficient government support for children with special needs. Both are deeply committed to creating a space where their children, and others like them, can thrive in a home that promotes independence, sustainability, and connection within their own community of Caledon. Elena, who travels two hours just to share a simple lunch with her son, envisions a future where families are no longer separated by the lack of appropriate housing.

To bring this vision to life, Liana and Elena have partnered with Blanca Polanco, a dedicated community Child and Youth Care Worker with extensive experience supporting individuals facing diverse needs and precarious housing situations. Together, they are dedicated to creating a home in Caledon where individuals with diverse abilities can live independently, receive the support they need, feel loved, and stay connected to the community that raised them. Close 2 Home Caledon is committed to empowering every resident to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Meet the Entire Team

Faces Behind Our Vision:
Stories That Inspire Change

MEET LUCA

Like many parents, Elena dreamed of what her son’s life would look like in his adult years. Will he marry? Where will he work? Where will he live? For Luca, her vision was clear. She envisioned him living in the same community where he was raised. In a residential setting with roommates that share similar challenges. A safe place that would provide him with 24-hour care. A place close to home, where she and her family could visit daily. A place where she could drop in for a quick hello or to take him for a walk. A place where she could drop off his favourite dish for dinner. Unfortunately, Elena has to drive 2 hours away to spend time with her son because there is no supportive housing for him and many others in our community of Caledon. It’s time to address these needs, not just for the Luca’s of our community, but for every parent who is planning the future of their child as they age. Join us in making this dream a reality.

MEET OLIVIA

Olivia is a joyful young woman with a bright smile and deep roots in Caledon. She’s known, loved, and celebrated in her community—but like many adults with diverse needs, she faces limited options when it comes to housing that offers the care and support she deserves. Her family dreams of a future where Olivia can continue to thrive in the town she calls home, in a safe, fully supported, and accessible space where she feels secure 24/7. This is our inspiration: to create a home—not just a house—for individuals like Olivia. A place where they are cherished, respected, and empowered to live full, joyful lives. A place where they can take part in community events, enjoy meaningful activities, and build lasting relationships—all while staying in the heart of the community that knows them best. This vision is possible—but we can’t do it alone. Together, we can build something Caledon urgently needs: a home where belonging lives.

MEET SEGUIN

Seguin is a joyful 16-year-old with developmental challenges, a heart of gold, and a zest for life. He’s always eager to learn, explore new experiences, and dive into anything hands-on—whether it’s music, art, cooking, or building. Seguin is creative, talented, and loves helping others, especially young children. With a great sense of humor and a love for pranks, he brings laughter and joy to everyone around him. His brilliant mind is constantly thinking ahead, and recently, he began asking us about his future—particularly where he would live as an adult. As much as we cherish his growing understanding of the world, that question also brought fear. Unfortunately, we couldn’t provide a clear answer because, like many families in Caledon, there are no viable living options for adults with developmental challenges in our community. Caledon has been our home since 1988, and Seguin has thrived here—attending school, therapy, and community programs where he’s felt included and celebrated. This town has always been a safe, welcoming place for him. We dream of a day when Seguin can live independently, close to home, surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loves. A place where he can continue to build relationships, contribute, and thrive.

“We deserve our own home in our community where we can thrive and belong.”

The Housing Crisis

15+ Year Waitlist for Adults in Peel

The waitlist for accessible housing and services for adults with disabilities in Peel Region is over 15 years long.

Insufficient Government Funding and Support

Government funding is limited and barely covers basic living expenses, forcing families to cover the remaining shortfall.

Lack of Supportive Housing in Caledon

Caledon faces a shortage of accessible and supportive homes for adults with high needs, leaving aging parents to take on full-time caregiving roles.

Early Admission to Long-Term Care

In 2017, adults with disabilities were admitted to long-term care up to 25 years earlier than their peers, highlighting the lack of adequate care.

High Risk of Homelessness

18-30% of adults with disabilities end up in shelters—an outcome that is both tragic and preventable.

Disabilities and Poverty

People with disabilities account for 30% of Canadians living in deep poverty, earning below 75% of Canada's official poverty line.

Our Vision

To create a thriving, inclusive community in Caledon where young adults with developmental challenges and diverse abilities can live independently in supportive, community-based housing.

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