A Future with Belonging
We focus on building inclusive communities where adults with I/DD can thrive. We aim to increase partnerships with developers to create homes for adults with I/DD and support the utilization of a community facilitator model across the state to increase housing options for adults with I/DD.
HOPE NC's Journey:Leading with Experience
HOPE NC was founded in 2018 by three parents, Dotty Foley, Orah Raia and Ginny Dropkin, who all have sons with autism, along with decades of collective experience in the disability field and their personal experiences of the challenging issues facing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Laura Wells, Executive Director, joined the organization in 2022.
The Birth of HOPE
The driving force behind the creation of HOPE NC was the dilemma many families face:
Where will their adult children with I/DD live when aging caregivers can no longer care for them?
Currently, the Majority of People With I/DD Live With Their Families
Our Vision
People with disabilities in NC are informed about and have access to a wide array of safe, inclusive, affordable, and intergenerational housing options. We have named these communities IDEAL Communities. IDEAL stands for:
Inclusive
Adults with I/DD are integrated into the wider neighborhood
Diverse
In ability, ages, income, race and ethnicity
Engaging
Social connections are encouraged and promoted through activities and programming for all residents
Affordable
For people living on an income that is less than 30% of the Area Median Income
Lifelong
Including intentional design and close neighbor connections that allows people to age in place
Our ValuesThe Heart of Our Work
Inclusion
Dignity
Belonging
Community
Advocacy
A desire to belong is not a 'special need'. In fact, belonging is a very ordinary need shared by most everyone, with and without disabilities.
Dr. Erik Carter, Vanderbilt University