Building Understanding, Together: Reflections on a Housing Conversation
On Tuesday, Nov 11th, families and caregivers gathered at the Jewish Community Center for a community housing meeting to formally introduce the Independent Housing Initiative, and gather parent feedback on needs for housing. The meeting was well attended and well received, and feedback was both encouraging and highlighted important gaps we need to address. The information about IHI was new to many families, and was a continuation of the conversation with other families.
The most meaningful part of the evening was getting parents to speak out their ideas, hopes, fears, frustrations, and wishes. Hearing directly from families – hearing you – is what allows us to move from assumptions to understanding, and from understanding to action. The most important feedback was regarding how “independent” residents needed to be, and what services would be available to allow for people of all levels to participate in our plan. This range of needs is wide, and families helped us better understand that our planning must become more precise on how to address each level of need.
We need to hear from caregivers and residents what the specific needs are, so we can offer solutions and find partnerships to address these needs.
Where We Go From Here
To follow up on this, we are planning on doing the following:
We are asking for volunteers to form a family advisory committee: Give us input to shape the needs component of our housing plan, ensuring those most affected help drive the solutions, and feel comfortable their needs will be met.
If you are willing to help, please reach out and let a board member know – we need participation to identify and ensure we are addressing needs!
We will also follow up with dedicated working sessions focused solely on housing options for high-need individuals, led by professionals with deep expertise in 24/7/365 care models.
We will provide a timeline for next steps, so progress is visible and accountable, and we will communicate this plan.
We will be following up with a survey, to get input and details from as many people as possible. Please respond, or reach out to ensure your voice is heard!
We will also have more community meetings to provide updates on progress, and get feedback.
Together, We Keep Moving Forward
Tuesday’s meeting reminded us how strong and caring this community is. It also reminded us that honesty doesn’t end when the meeting does—sometimes the most important truths arrive afterward, when families have had time to reflect. We remain committed to ensuring that every family feels heard, respected, and supported. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, or followed up. Your voices are shaping the path ahead—and we are listening with renewed clarity and purpose. More updates will follow soon. In the meantime, please continue to reach out.