News Summary
The Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI) is set to transform a former memory care facility into CCHI Commons, an inclusive co-living community in Highland Park. Breaking ground on July 18, this $2.7 million project will provide 50 ADA-compliant apartments designed for independent living, addressing a critical need for supportive housing in Illinois. Residents will benefit from flexible service options, ensuring tailored support within a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. The initiative is notable as Illinois’ first inclusive housing development specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Highland Park is set to become the home of an innovative project dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with disabilities. The Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI) is scheduled to break ground on CCHI Commons, an inclusive co-living community, on July 18 at 1651 Richfield Ave. The ambitious $2.7 million initiative aims to transform a former memory care facility into a supportive environment featuring 50 apartments designed for independent living.
The CCHI Commons project is designed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Each apartment will feature fully ADA-compliant bathrooms, accommodating residents with varying mobility needs. This project is part of CCHI’s “Keys to Connection” capital campaign, which focuses on providing independent living options for adults with disabilities, responding to an urgent need for supportive housing in the community.
Additionally, the CCHI Commons will allow residents and their families the flexibility to choose service providers based on their preferences. This can include private funding, home-based support, or participation in Illinois’ I-CILA program, facilitating a tailored approach to each resident’s needs.
Currently, there exists a significant gap in services for adults with disabilities, especially those transitioning to adult life. The CCHI Commons aims to bridge this gap by offering a blend of studio and one-bedroom apartments that will accommodate 49 residents and a resident assistant, ensuring that support is available as needed while fostering a community atmosphere.
Plans for the CCHI Commons include the renovation of the commercial kitchen, the addition of a teaching kitchen, and the creation of dedicated spaces for art and music, further enriching the community experience for residents. This careful planning underlines CCHI’s commitment to creating not just housing but a vibrant community space.
The ownership model for the project is co-op-based, which means that families will collectively own the building. This model promotes investment and engagement among families, ensuring that the community is responsive to the needs of its residents. It is notable that this initiative is being recognized as the first of its kind in Illinois, providing inclusive housing specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
Construction for the CCHI Commons is expected to begin in October, with an anticipated move-in date for residents set for April. The enthusiasm for this project is not limited to CCHI; local leaders, including Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, have expressed their support for the initiative and its potential to promote inclusion within the community.
The drive for such a project stems from a realization that supportive housing and services for disabled adults are severely lacking in Illinois. According to recent rankings, Illinois currently sits at 46th in the nation for financial support provided to services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like CCHI Commons.
CCHI acquired the former memory care facility in March and has been actively preparing the space for renovation since then. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs of adults with disabilities, aiming to provide them with the opportunity for independence and community living in Highland Park.
Overall, the CCHI Commons project is anticipated to play a crucial role in reshaping the landscape of supportive housing in Illinois, making strides towards inclusivity and independence for adults with disabilities.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Highland Park Nonprofit Break Ground on $2.7M Co-Living Community for Disabled Adults
- Chicago Tribune: Highland Park Disabilities Community
- Des Moines Register: Des Moines Apartment Projects Moving Forward
- PR Newswire: Blueprint Supports the Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI)
- Sun Chronicle: Attleboro Receives Four Bids for Highland Park Senior Housing Project
- Wikipedia: Highland Park
- Google Search: Highland Park Illinois Community Housing
- Google Scholar: Highland Park Disabilities Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highland Park Illinois
- Google News: Highland Park Community Housing
