The Beginning . . .

My husband and I are the proud parents of three young adults with special needs. Our three awesome kids have Level 1 ASD (per DSM-5) along with ADHD, and one also has a rare autoimmune disorder. Our search for permanent, affordable, semi-supported housing for them has definitely exposed the need for more housing for similar adults.

We are at the raw beginning of hopefully developing a community to help meet this need in central Texas. With ComInTX, we seek to prevent homelessness, struggle, and despair in this population by providing sustainable, permanent, affordable housing in a semi-supported community. There is a burgeoning population of these intelligent and capable special needs people who are not usually disabled enough to qualify for housing waivers and benefits, but also are not neurotypical enough to live entirely on their own without some support nearby.

Many Level 1 autistic adults would like to live independently and most are able to work at least part time, but some are not able to work and need housing and limited support affordable on a lower income. In addition, many of these adults come from families who lack the wealth to support their adult children outside their family home. ASD adults may also lack friends or family who are able to take on even their partial care – much less provide a home – as their parents age and pass.

Our model for ComInTX can be loosely compared to this: During my first year in college, my roommate and I shared a two-bedroom apartment in a building owned by the university (not a dorm, but an actual apartment complete with kitchen and living area). A Resident Advisor living in the building checked on us once or twice per week, was available for emergencies, and occasionally arranged social events for the students in his section. Our goal is something similar, but more specialized, with the advisors having access to resources, organizations, families, and information to best refer and assist the residents when needs arise. We are also discussing options for features such as a community garden, shuttle service into town, RV park for visiting family and volunteers, and a center where visiting volunteers could conduct classes or events.

With this plan, ComInTX residential candidates . . .

1. Will be on the autism spectrum but function at a level that does not qualify for housing waivers or assistance and thus need affordable, permanent, private pay housing.
2. May work part time, full time, or be on SSI, or have other income.
3. Are able to primarily care for their own needs and their own home on a day-to-day basis without supervision, but having someone check in with them a couple times per week would be highly beneficial.
4. Would derive comfort, a sense of security, and reduced anxiety from living in a community with: others who have similar concerns, a common social area, access to (and/or assistance planning) group social activities, and help nearby if/when needed.
5. Most likely require support in emergencies and difficult situations, such as sudden unemployment, relationship issues, unexpected need for medical care, or the loss of a family member.
6. Have the emotional and psychological stability to live on their own without in-house therapeutic intervention.
7. Will agree to be responsible for their bills, obey the law, and follow the rules of the community.

Because the residents of ComInTX only require limited support (as opposed to extensive and expensive 24/7 assistance), the rental cost for each resident will be low enough to make this housing long-term sustainable so they can be self-supporting and not at risk of homelessness due to the cost of housing. We are currently preparing information to apply for 501(c)3 nonprofit status so we can also have fundraisers and accept donations to assist with setup and building costs as well as to supplement operating costs once the community is up and running. (UPDATE: We became a 501(c)3 in April 2023.)

Another benefit to this project is that this community will be dedicated to this population. Unlike apartments set aside for these adults in larger complexes, ComInTX property as purchased, developed, and board-run will remain as a community dedicated to semi-independent spectrum adults and, as the project develops, ideally include other IDD adults who are at a similar functioning level with similar housing needs.

In terms of operational structure (although our building concept is different), we are inspired by the success of Community First! Village operated by Mobile Loaves & Fishes. ComInTX is Christian-founded and will be faith-based, but not faith-exclusive in terms of residents.

Just a reminder that we cheerfully and deeply appreciate all the prayer, encouragement, and support we can get! If you wish to follow this project, blogs will be posted here and you can also request to join our Community Independence of Texas project support page here.

By Karen Koiner