Help Hudson, Ohio pave the way to provide appropriate housing
In recent years, children with developmental disabilities have increasingly been welcomed into their local school districts rather than having to attend separate "special" schools. Hudson, Ohio became an exemplary first mover in this regard more than thirty years ago, demonstrating the enhanced richness gained by taking care of their most vulnerable population.
Now, many of these children have reached adulthood and face a dire lack of appropriate housing. They have achieved high school graduation, which marks the first step towards independence, yet all too often this resembles a closed door for individuals with DD. This leads, in turn, to isolation and dependence on others.
- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Hudson Community Living (HCL) will provide supportive, independent living options for adults with developmental disabilities (DD) such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorder.
- Featuring a state of the art clubhouse and beautiful, cottage-like units that our residents with developmental disabilities will soon call home, our neighborhood will be designed to empower its residents. HCL will be located within walking distance of robust employment and volunteer opportunities, as well as parks, the public library, city services, shopping, and dining.
- HCL will be a community within a community where residents can work, socialize, age in place, and live joyfully near family while cultivating lifelong relationships. Additionally, thanks to our debt-free business model, HCL will have affordable, accessible rent.
- A full-time Director and Assistant Director will be on site each day. A chef will prepare healthy food options and meal plans will be available. In addition, HCL will partner with Kent State University to have students serve as Resident Advisors (RAs). The students, whose area of study includes working with adults with DD, will also live on site.
- HCL will allow adults with DD to live safely and independently while thriving in a community of lifelong friends.
A growing community impact, touching hundreds of lives annually
While the primary beneficiaries of HCL will be the residents who call it home, our impact will extend throughout the community, including:
- 7 direct staff
- Dozens of independent certified caregivers
- Hundreds of mentors and volunteers
- Local businesses and community members
- The entire greater local community of adults with DD
HCL's impact won't end in Hudson or Ohio
Our plan is to intentionally share our model with others across the nation with the goal of solving the shortage of supportive living communities, potentially impacting 1000's of families.