The concept was to provide options away from state institutions where individuals could live as part of a community with supported independence in safe and accessible homes. Established in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and backed with a start-up grant from the Cleveland Foundation, North Coast Community Homes opened its doors.
A committed group of leaders assembled to bring their expertise in planning, construction, law, and housing development. There were many challenges in establishing housing for individuals with disabilities.
The team of leaders embarked on numerous legal battles from cities that resisted the development of homes for persons with disabilities in their communities. This team of devoted leaders did not back down; they managed through the legal challenges and built a housing model and platform where people with disabilities thrive.