CW Asia Fund

Why WISH Was Created?

The society was established to address a critical and longstanding gap in Whistler’s housing system: the lack of appropriate, long-term housing for adults with developmental disabilities.

The specific drivers for its creation include:

💙 The "Systemic Cliff": After high school, the structured support of aides and counselors disappears, leaving individuals entirely dependent on families

💙 Housing Exclusion: While Whistler provides non-market housing for its workforce, current eligibility policies often exclude adults with developmental disabilities who cannot meet full-time employment requirements

💙 The Affordability Gap: In a town with exceptionally high rental costs, disability income only provides roughly $500 per month for shelter, creating a massive mismatch between need and supply

💙 Risk of Displacement: Without local supportive housing, these valued community members are often forced to move away from their families, friends, and support networks just to find a place to live

💙 Parental Peace of Mind: Many parents continue caregiving well into their older age and worry about who will care for their children once they are gone

🌈 Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate people with disabilities, their identities, culture, and the many ways they contribute to our communities.

Disability Pride Month helps challenge stereotypes and change the way people think about disability. It recognizes disability as a natural part of human diversity and encourages greater visibility, inclusion, and understanding.

Disability is not only an identity but also a community with a rich and diverse culture worthy of recognition and celebration.

At WISH, we are proud to support a future where adults with developmental disabilities are valued, included, and empowered to participate fully in community life.

This month, we celebrate disability pride and the importance of creating communities where everyone belongs.💙

Disability Flag designed by Ann Magill

🎉 We've raised $39,775 towards our matching challenge!

Thank you to everyone who has supported WISH so far. Because of your generosity, we're already more than halfway to unlocking a $50,000 matching gift.

Here's how it works:

💙 You donate $50 → WISH receives $100
💙 You donate $250 → WISH receives $500
💙 You donate $1,000 → WISH receives $2,000

A generous donor has committed to matching every dollar donated, up to $50,000. That means every gift made today has double the impact.

We're building inclusive housing and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the Sea to Sky, and every matched donation brings us one step closer.

✨ Help us reach the full match and double your impact.

Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/whistler-is-our-home