Fund the Need

The Arc NCR’s Community Living program empowers people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to have accessible and affordable housing, providing them with the personalized support of Direct Support Professionals to help them in being as independent as possible. The program currently supports over 95 people in our community. It is a critical part of their lives — and the lives of their families and loved ones who need to ensure that they will be cared for and have the best life possible. Housing supports independence, promoting a sense of control of one’s own life and feeling empowered.

Unfortunately, the waiting list for this program has been growing and The Arc NCR has run out of space in its existing homes. Currently, we have 10 people waiting for this service, and the list continues to grow.

Outside of the cost, there are many different factors that make it difficult to purchase a home:

• Accessibility – One of the most significant barriers is the shortage of accessible housing options. People we support need the ability to safely access their home, move freely without barriers, and be able to age in place. Wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other adaptable living accommodations are typically required for people we support.
• Location – Is the home in a place where people we support can participate fully in the community? Is it close to where they work, their family, where they shop or have community connections? Is it located where there is access to transportation?
• Size – How many bedrooms are available? Does the layout support accessibility accommodations or renovations?
• The housing climate – There is limited availability of affordable housing. The good options go fast!

Having the funds for a down payment would greatly help The Arc NCR in being able to act on a quality housing option so that those on our waiting list will finally have the home and support they need.

Every dollar matters, and to see the specific impact you can have, here are examples of how your contribution can support this campaign.

• $5,000: Contributing toward the down payment or purchase of a home
• $2,500: Funding for accessible accommodations, such as a wheelchair ramp.
• $1,500: Funding for major appliances, such as a hot water heater.
• $1,000: Funding for 2-3 roll-in shower chairs
• $500: Funding for a home inspection
• $250: Funding for a home maintenance kit
• $100: Funding to purchase grab bars for bathroom showers
• $50: Funding for adaptive utensils and kitchen tools

Financial support from the community has been essential to funding specific needs of The Arc NCR each year. For reference, the last 5 years of Fund the Need campaigns are listed below:

• 2023 – Accessible Transportation
• 2022 – Clinical Services/mental health resources for people we support
• 2021 – Unexpected medical and dental expenses, Camp Sp’Arc scholarships for low-income families, crisis funds for families supported in Family Support Services that are in sudden need of food, clothing, or housing assistance
• 2020 –Family Support Services, the agency’s only unfunded program
• 2019 – Accessible Housing Needs