Stage 2: Develop a Concept

Goal of this Stage:  

Now that your organization has made a commitment to exploring the opportunity to build new housing for older adults in your community, it is time to get more specific about what type of housing you might build and where. It is also time to start bringing more people into the discussion.

The goal of this stage is to articulate a project vision (who? what? where? how?) and overarching development principles.  You will have identified and assessed a site, have a high-level architectural design concept that outlines the type of housing you would like to build, and will have early ideas around how you might fund the project.  Finally, you will have started growing your project team and reaching out to stakeholders and potential partners for their input and support. 

Key Questions to Answer: 

• What type of housing are you proposing to meet the needs of your target population and why?

• On which site would your organization like to build housing for older adults?

• What might the project look like (design principles and initial design concept)? 

• How will you engage with potential stakeholders and/or partners?

• What are the potential sources of funding for the project?

What Needs to be Done: 

1. Assemble a project team 

2. Identify and select appropriate housing model(s) for your target population

3. Identify and evaluate the suitability of project site(s)

4. Articulate the project vision and establish development principles

5. Engage potential project partners and key stakeholders, including older adults 

6. Develop a preliminary architectural program and design concept

7. Identify possible sources of funding for your project

For more detail on each of these steps, download the Building with Mission Playbook. 

Tools To Try

• Problem mapping

• Futures scenarios

• Stakeholder mapping

Helpful Resources

• Periodic Table of Housing Models for Older Canadians 

• Sources of Funding for the Development of Affordable Housing