Whistler Independent Supported Housing - WISH

💙 The momentum is growing.

This weekend, WISH welcomed community members, families, and supporters for Whistler Is Our Home for an evening of connection, conversation, and shared commitment to a more inclusive future.

We're grateful to everyone for helping move this vision forward.

Thanks to an unexpected, generous private donor, all gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000.

Together, we can create safe, supportive housing and meaningful opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the Sea to Sky.

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

Marielle Thompson

Future Resident Feature: Sarah

I want to be a cartoonist," says Sarah. Sarah was born with an undiagnosed cognitive disorder, which in very broad terms means she has mental developmental issues. Today she has a regular job in a local grocery store, is an artist, an athlete, a client and mentor with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program and a valuable member of the Whistler community. Involvement in the community helps correct societal misperceptions of intellectual disability and mental illness.

After leaving high school, young people like Sarah find themselves heavily dependent on family members. In school there is a support system, which includes aid workers and counsellors, but once they graduate some feel the support and structure falls away. Whistler is still developing the support systems these young people need to positively contribute to the community they live in. Support for employment, life skill training, and programs for supported housing needs to be considered in Whistler. People with developmental disabilities, like anyone, don’t want to live with their parents forever, they want to be with their friends and experience the world around them. They have career aspirations and dreams of a fulfilled life.

It has been suggested that Sarah move to Squamish or Pemberton where there is supported housing options. Sarah’s friends, work, social life and her sense of belonging is in Whistler. Whistler is her home.

National AccessAbility Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and promote barrier-free, inclusive communities.

At Whistler Independent Supported Housing (WISH), we are committed to creating safe, inclusive housing where adults with developmental disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and connection.

Accessibility is more than physical space; it’s about opportunity, belonging, and ensuring everyone has the support they need to thrive.

Join us in building a community where everyone has a place to call home. 🏡

Thank you to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Community Enrichment Program for supporting WISH through funding for communications and community outreach. This investment helps us build stronger connections, increase awareness, and better serve adults with developmental disabilities in our community.

Read about our Board member!

The Bookless Club: Whistler mom moves mountains for her daughter and others Sue Hargrave gave all she had to her daugher to help her overcome severe challenges. She’s also the force behind The Traverse, private housing units for individuals with developmental disabil…

Exciting news at WISH 💙. With strong community support, meaningful conversations, and important steps moving forward, we’re closer than ever to bringing this vision to life.

This is about more than housing, it’s about creating a place where adults with developmental disabilities feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

As Whistler continues to evolve, so does the opportunity to build a more inclusive and compassionate community.

WISH is also exploring future programming focused on:
💙 Life skills development
💙 Social connection and community inclusion
💙 Independence and well-being

Because when we create spaces where everyone belongs, the whole community becomes stronger.

Stay tuned as we roll out this exciting new opportunity.

🌿 Join WISH for Pitch In Day! 🌿

We’re excited to be part of Pitch In Day and would love for you to join us!

📅 April 25
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Meet at 6418 Easy Street

We’ll head out together to help keep our community clean and beautiful. Afterward, stick around for a Volunteer Appreciation BBQ at the Fire Hall from 12–2 PM 🌭

It’s also the perfect chance to show off your WISH pride, or grab some new swag! We’ll have t-shirts, hoodies, and ball caps available for purchase.

👉 Interested in swag ahead of time? Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to bring gloves!

Our WISH is that you’ll join us 💙

At WISH, acceptance means more than words; it means action.

We are committed to creating safe, inclusive housing and meaningful community supports for adults with developmental disabilities, including autistic individuals, right here in Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor.

Everyone deserves a place to call home, opportunities to grow, and a community where they feel valued and included.

Through housing, life skills programming, and community connection, we’re working toward a future where people of all abilities can live with independence, dignity, and belonging.

Notice of Annual General Meeting
Whistler Independent Supported Housing (WISH) Society invites you to attend our Annual General Meeting:

Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Whistler Real Estate Boardroom

All are welcome. Kindly RSVP to [email protected]

Join us for some incredible adventures

Assistant Executive Director - Whistler Personnel Solutions Whistler Independent Supported Housing (WISH) Society is seeking an Assistant Executive Director to serve as the administrative & operations lead, supporting the organization’s growth and day-to-day operations during this critical phase of development.