Communities to Know: Wisconsin
Each month we will highlight intentional communities for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) around the U.S. This month, we want to highlight several existing and planned intentional communities in Wisconsin, including three projects that are currently or were previously LTO Ventures clients - Independent Housing Initiative, Inc, Journey21, Inc., and Door2Dreams, Inc.
Independent Housing Initiative (website in development; Mequon). This emerging project has a mission to create nurturing and inclusive long-term housing for 30-40 adults with and without IDD and/or physical disabilities that fosters their holistic development and provides a supportive community that empowers them to realize their goals, dreams, and expectations. They envision of a residential haven where individuals with disabilities enjoy a variety of safe, comfortable living options and a Jewish-inspired life of engagement, growth, and happiness.
Door2Dreams (Stevens Point). This emerging project was founded by parents, professionals, and self-advocates helping adults with IDD live, work, and thrive where they choose to live. Their initial goal is to expand independent housing options and build community engagement through local partnerships.
Journey21 (Oconomowoc). Their Enrichment Center opened in April 2023 and offers three highly structured learning academies, career readiness training, programs, outings, and community resources. Journey21 has a mission to provide safe, supportive, and enriching living and learning options for adults with IDD in Waukesha County and surrounding communities. Their vision is a day when every adult with IDD has accessible, meaningful opportunities for education, employment skill development, social activities, and can live independently in the home of their choice.
Home of Our Own (New Glarus). This nonprofit was established to create inclusive, affordable housing for disabled adults through partnership with other community-based nonprofits. Their first project, Prairie Haus, opened its doors in December 2020, providing 40 apartment homes for disabled adults, seniors, and working adults and families struggling with the rising cost of housing. Prairie Haus is unique in that it provides affordable homes in an integrated setting for individuals with a wide range of support and behavioral needs where no one is excluded from housing based on the challenges of their disability.
Grace Landing / St. Coletta of Wisconsin (Jefferson). This is a relatively new living community for individuals with developmental disabilities. Planned construction includes three state-of-the-art Community-Based Residential Homes (CBRFs; not HCBS) which will be fully accessible to allow all residents to “live in place” while receiving individualized medical and behavioral supports. Each CBRF will be a single level home, approximately 4,500 sq ft and the surrounding property will feature a community green space to allow for residents, families, and caregivers to congregate for gatherings and provide opportunities for physical activity.
Communities of Crocus (Pleasant Prairie). In development stage, their mission is to create supportive homes of choice for adults with autism and similar IDDs that give them a sense of pride, accomplishment and dignity through providing services and housing within a natural environment. Their vision is to provide independent apartments and community homes within a supportive wraparound neighborhood where adults with autism and IDDs have purpose through living and engaging with others.
Mel’s Village at Northern Gateway Community Collective (Saukville). In development stage. Northern Gateway Saukville will be a 99-acre multi-use development. At the south part will be Mel’s Village, which will include an integrated community for individuals with disabilities. This will include market-rate apartments with 25 percent of the housing set aside for independent living for adults with disabilities.