OLYMPIC PENINSULA EXTENDED NEEDS HOUSING Sustainable Housing Development for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Neurotypical & Other Low Income Groups

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Services

HOUSING CRISIS

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) desire to live in housing of their choice—whether independently, with a caregiver, or in group home settings. Housing with the right levels of independence, affordability, and support can be life-affirming and maximize wellbeing in any household, not just those with IDD.
MISSION

OPEN Housing’s mission is to provide sustainable, secure, affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities and low-income others in a shared and integrated community so all can thrive.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Recipients of over $1.7 million dollars in grant funding awards through Washington State’s Department of Commerce, OPEN Housing continues to develop housing for individuals experiencing disabilities, who are willing and able to live and thrive in the community with some level of independence.

Current Projects and Funding

KATIES HOUSE

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KIRKS HOUSE

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GRANT RECIPIENTS: HOUSING TRUST FUND WASHINGTON DPT COMMERCE

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GRANT RECIPIENTS: DAN THOMPSON MEMORIAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COMMUNITY SERVICES FUND WASHINGTON DPT COMMERCE

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By and For Organization

OPEN Housing is a “by and for organization” as determined by Washington State Department of Commerce.

OPEN Housing’s Board of Directors and Staff are local residents with varying degrees of experience with IDD populations within the community. Founding members of the Board, were made up almost entirely of prodigious local parents with minor and adult children with IDD living at home, looking to the future for affordable, inclusive and sustainable independent housing solutions for their family members.

As defined by the Washington State Department of Commerce: “By and For Organizations are operated by and for the community they serve. Their primary mission and history is serving a specific community and they are culturally based, directed, and substantially controlled by individuals from the population they serve. At the core of their programs, the organizations embody the community’s central cultural values. These communities may include ethnic and racial minority groups; immigrants and refugees; people who identify as LGBTQ+; people with disabilities or who are deaf; and Native Americans.”

Community Development Corporation; 501(c)(3)

OPEN Housing is among the few local organizations on the remote North Olympic Peninsula focused on housing development for people with IDD. Community development corporations (CDCs) are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that are created to support and revitalize communities, especially those that are impoverished or struggling. CDCs often deal with the development of affordable housing. They can also be involved in a wide range of community services that meet local needs such as education, job training, healthcare, commercial development, and other social programs.

While CDCs may work closely with a representative from the local government, they are not a government entity.

As non-profits, CDCs are tax-exempt and may receive funding from private and public sources.

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DEVELOPING NEW IDD HOMES SINCE 2016

According to DSHS, more than 37,000 adults with IDD in Washington State face housing insecurity.This estimate assumes all adults with IDD who live with an elderly family caregiver (aged 60+) and about one-third of those living independently or with a roommate, face housing insecurity. While more than 36,000 DDA enrolled clients received state or federally funded services, very few of these individuals reside in affordable housing. This lack of affordable housing limits their choice for more independent living options and impacts their quality of life.

Washington’s chronic underproduction of housing, low vacancy rates, and rising rents exacerbate already challenging housing conditions for adults with IDD. Washington has the lowest ratio of housing units to households in the United States. Chronic underproduction of housing has resulted in low vacancy rates and high prices. The generally tight market conditions make an already difficult goal—stable, independent living—harder to reach for adults with IDD.

Without adequate housing choices, many adults with IDD live with less independence than they might desire. While qualitative data on housing preferences and choices are slim, anecdotal evidence and national literature suggest that there are not enough affordable, accessible housing options near family and preferred community. As a result, many adults with IDD default to living in group homes or remain with family members and are challenged by curtailed independence.

OPEN Housing aims to change that narrative by facilitating a housing environment with more options for IDD adults in our local and surrounding communities.