Session B: NC Inclusive Housing Coalition: How groups are working across NC on I/DD inclusive housing
Eric Clement
President, LivingHope
Wilkesboro, NC
https://www.livinghopecommunities.org/
Eric Clement is the President of LivingHope, a nonprofit dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive residential communities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LivingHope’s first project will be the WeBUILT Wilkes initiative, 24-resident independent-living community months away from development in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Eric brings more than 30 years of leadership and service to this mission. He proudly served 24 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Photographer’s Mate, and now works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Construction Analyst in the Specially Adaptive Housing program, where he helps disabled veterans achieve barrier-free living in their own homes.
His passion for inclusive housing is deeply personal and fueled by his role as a father to two special needs sons, Devin and Drake. As a certified Special Olympics coach for over 14 years, Eric has seen firsthand the importance of dignity, opportunity, and belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His work focuses on practical, scalable housing solutions that empower adults to live independently while staying connected to purpose and community.
Margaret Gaffney
Founder, Indie Tree
Charlotte, NC
https://indietree.org
Margaret Gaffney is the Transition coordinator at A Special Needs Plan, a national financial planning service that provides wrap-around services to families that have loved ones with special needs. Her role on the team is the transition to adulthood and all that entails; guardianship, applying for government benefits, and guiding parents through the steps of what happens after school finishes. She is also a co-founder of Indie Tree, affordable housing for adults with disabilities in Charlotte, NC. She is married to David and has 2 children. Her daughter Carson lives in Chicago, and her son Davis (with an intellectual disability) lives with her in Charlotte until Indie Tree is built.
Dave Curro
Founder, CEO, Chairman of the Board, Midtown Housing Coalition
www.MidtownHousingCoalition.org
Dave Curro is a parent of an adult with a developmental disability. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of Alliance Health. He is also a past Chair of Alliance's Consumer & Family Advocacy Committee, (CFAC). Dave facilitated a support group for families and caregivers of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Wake and Durham Counties, NC. He is retired from the US Army and was a Quality Engineer in civilian life. Dave is now retired and devotes most of his time developing an inclusive community for the IDD and Disabled Veteran/First Responder populations.
Dave Has a BS in Business Administration with a Minor in Economics from Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC.