Community Life Without Limits
Living independently in the community should be a real and attainable option for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Yet in North Carolina, many individuals face significant barriers that limit their opportunities to live on their own, pursue meaningful employment, and fully participate in society.
Inclusion Matters:Building a Community for All
These obstacles can include a lack of affordable and accessible housing, limited access to supportive services, restrictive policies, and societal attitudes that underestimate the capabilities of people with disabilities. Addressing these issues requires awareness, advocacy, and collective action.
Barriers to Community Living
There are critical issues to address in North Carolina if living in the community is possible. These include:
Limited Supply of Affordable Housing
There is not enough housing that is affordable for the general population and it is even harder to find housing that is integrated into the community, offers supportive services, is accessible and is affordable to those with extremely low incomes.
Lack of Housing that is Affordable on a Fixed Income
Even if affordable housing can be located for an adult with I/DD, they typically can not afford even the reduced "affordable" rent on their monthly wages that typically come from Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Supportive Services are Needed
If adults with I/DD are going to thrive in independent living, supportive services are needed to ensure ongoing connections to resources and opportunities to socially interact with neighbors and create resources. Too often, adults with I/DD are given an apartment and left with no ongoing support to ensure their success.
Breaking Barriers Through Collective Action
HOPE NC, along with many other organizations, is working to address these issues through advocacy. It's critical to be involved, become aware of the legislative process, and reach out to legislators to make them aware of how you and/or family members are affected.
HOPE NC has a policy and advocacy work group that is specifically advocating about issues that directly impact the ability to create and sustain inclusive and affordable housing for adults with I/DD.
Inclusive Housing PlatformHope NC's Collective Impact work 2025-2026
North Carolina's current housing system prioritizes institutions and group homes, which limits inclusive and affordable options for individuals who want to live independently. The IDEAL platform addressed these challenges by outlining three key priorities for change.
- Increasing the supply of inclusive housing within affordable housing developments.
- Expanding rental assistance programs that make housing affordable for people with I/DD.
- Ensuring stable support services so residents have what they need to thrive in their communities.
North Carolina Inclusive Housing Coalition
As part of our Collective Impact efforts, we have pulled together 30+ groups (made up of parent advocates and non-profits) working to develop housing for adults with I/DD across the state of NC. This coalition meets regularly to share resources, problem-solve and advocate for state resources to address this growing need. Are you interested in working on housing for adults with I/DD in NC?