2026 Inclusive Housing Summit Session Information
Keynote Panel Topic: How North Carolina can build affordable, inclusive communities in which people with IDD are part of the broader housing system
Janneke Ratcliffe, Senior Advisor for Housing Policy to Governor Josh Stein
Kelly Crosbie, Secretary of the Department of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services at the NC Department of Health and Human Services
I/DD Caucus Panel Topic: What is the I/DD Caucus and how can it connect with efforts to increase inclusive housing options for adults with I/DD?
Panel Participants: Senator Jim Burgin, Representative Zack Hawkins, and Representative Sarah Crawford
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Breakout Sessions
Session A: Patuxent Commons: From Vision to Community -- Developing and Launching an Inclusive Housing Model in Maryland
Patuxent Commons is an inclusive, mixed-income apartment community designed for people of different ages, abilities, and incomes. The concept was developed by the Autism Society of Maryland—formerly the Howard County Autism Society—to address the housing needs of adults with disabilities and create a community where residents with and without disabilities could live together as neighbors.
Mission First Housing Group developed and operates the 76-unit community in Columbia, Maryland. Twenty-five percent of the apartments are deeply affordable and designated for people with disabilities, with the remaining units serving older adults, individuals, and families. Its location near transit, shopping, recreation, and employment supports independence and connection to the broader community.
Opened in November 2025, Patuxent Commons grew from years of planning, advocacy, partnership-building, financing, design, and community engagement. This session will trace the project from vision through development, lease-up, and operations, highlighting key decisions, challenges, and early lessons for others working to create inclusive housing opportunities.
Presenters:
- Steven Isaacson, Community Life Manager, Patuxent Commons
- Mark Dunham, Consultant, Kindred Strategies
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Session B: What is the Community Facilitator role, and why is it needed?
HOPE NC’s inclusive housing model includes an onsite Community Facilitator whose role is to connect residents with needed resources and facilitate activities and programming for all neighbors with and without disabilities. HOPE NC is currently supporting residents with I/DD in three communities in Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Attendees will hear from HOPE NC residents and Community Facilitators from all three communities as they reflect on the importance of inclusive living and the role of the Community Facilitator.
Presenters:
- Collin Flake, North Street Community Facilitator
- Alecia Hicks, Grosvenor Gardens Community Facilitator
- India Goode, Weavers Grove Community Facilitator
- Residents from 3 communities, TBD
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Session C: G House and L'Arche NC: How two NC organization are providing housing for people with higher needs while creating community ties
Participants will learn about two models in the Triangle where people with and without disabilities live together and share life in a home together. You will also learn about how their organizations promote inclusivity in the community for adults with I/DD.
The G House is a thriving and supportive community for neuro and physically diverse adults. A private home in Chapel Hill, NC, situated on 7 beautiful acres with spaces for shared gatherings, recreation, relaxation, and indoor and outdoor enjoyment, The G House was born out of a need to support Gunnar, who uses a wheelchair and requires assistance with activities of daily living. The G House has a head coach and assistant coach, two people who live at The G House and provide support to the young adults who require assistance with some activities of daily living. At this time, residents bring and fund any additional supports they require. We are currently providing housing for four individuals with various disabilities and are actively expanding to Durham, NC.
L’Arche North Carolina creates homes and programs where adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities share life in community. In our Durham home, up to four adults with I/DD, known as Core Members, live alongside assistants who provide individualized support while building relationships rooted in mutuality, belonging, and friendship. Through shared meals, daily routines, celebrations, and connections throughout the Triangle, L’Arche creates more than housing—it creates a community where every person is known, valued, and empowered to live a full life. With the recent purchase of two additional homes in Durham, L’Arche North Carolina is preparing to expand this model and welcome more people into a place of belonging.
Presenters:
- Eric and Barbara Levin, The G House
- Laura Steed, L’Arche NC
Learn more about the Presenters
Session D: Self-direction: A powerful complement to community living
Self-direction is a service delivery model that can beautifully enhance community living and give individuals and families greater choice and control over how their waiver services are provided. This session will explore how self-direction supports personal growth and independence while helping sustain reliable staff coverage over time. We’ll cover the nuts and bolts of self direction; share real life stories and lessons learned, and introduce the Self Direction Coalition of North Carolina and its work to improve both self direction processes and long-term sustainability. A full thirty minutes will be dedicated to questions, discussion, and shared experiences.
Presenter: Betsy MacMichael, Chair, Self Direction Coalition of NC