Day 4: Liz’s Home

Harmony Means Peace of Mind:

Liz and Al’s Story

Liz sits in the bright, welcoming common room at Chorus, UNITI’s first inclusive housing project. Since opening in 2016, Chorus has become a shining example of how community flourishes when the right environment exists. On any holiday or special occasion, you’ll find residents gathered here to share a meal, watch a hockey game, or simply enjoy each other’s company. People with disabilities and those without live together as neighbours and friends.

Liz didn’t get the chance to move into Chorus. Demand for inclusive housing far outstrips supply, by more than twentyfold. But there’s hope.

“My name is Elizabeth Etmanskey,” Liz says with a smile. “I really like this place because it gives me my wings, an opportunity for new horizons.” Harmony represents that fresh start. “I found out from my friend that I might be able to live there,” she says. “It’s something new and exciting—a clean slate.”

Her father, Al, shares what Harmony means to him:

“We had been looking for years for a place for Liz, somewhere closer to family. The most welcoming place for us was through Uniti. Harmony, in many ways, describes what life is like in South Surrey—friendly & safe. From a parent’s point of view, having your daughter come into this neighbourhood was like a dream come true. Harmony for me means peace of mind.”

For Liz, Harmony is about independence—a home where she can lead life on her own terms with community around her. For Al, it’s the reassurance that his daughter will have safety and stability for the future.