FAQ

HOPE NC 's mission is to create inclusive communities where people of all ages and abilities experience a sense of belonging. Our intention is to build this community in the Triangle, and for it to become a pilot for other similar communities throughout NC. A community such as HOPE NC envisions would have people with and without disabilities and active older adults living as neighbors, with the involvement of a Community Facilitator to encourage social interactions, provide resources and referrals to residents as needed, assist in building relationships, and create a culture of mutual support and caring among all residents of the community. While we are working to build a community we are working to pilot our concept by integrating people with I/DD and older adults into several planned communities in the process of being built.

An intentional community refers to a community where residents intentionally choose to live in a community of people with and without disabilities, with the assumption that everyone belongs and diversity is welcome. An inclusive community is a place where everyone is given the opportunity to live as a contributing member of the community while being appreciated for one’s abilities and uniqueness.

Our vision for the community is one that fosters a culture of belonging and social engagement, nurturing independence and interdependence, where all residents feel welcomed and are an active and integral participant in the fabric of the community. To facilitate social interaction HOPE NC communities will have common areas indoors and outdoors for social gatherings and for enriching activities. We will have onsite staff to promote interaction between neighbors and connect residents with needed resources.

We envision a community where residents purposely come together around defined shared values and vision. Approximately 20% of units for adults with IDD with 80% for families and adults (seniors, students, etc,) without disabilities. In a community with 100 homes, 20 of those would be for people with I/DD.

HOPE NC is looking at integration opportunities in 2025 in the Triangle Area and we currently have potential projects in Raleigh, Durham, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. For our community that we build from the ground up, we need land that is accessible to transit and affordable. We hope to build a pilot community in the Triangle and then replicate it in other parts of NC.

The level of supports needed will vary based on each individual’s needs.. Residents will have the choice of their service provider. Obtaining those supports through a provider agency of their choice will be the responsibility of the individual or their family member or caregiver. The community will also offer a Community Facilitator who will oversee and arrange social gatherings and events for all residents, support connections between residents and service providers and property management, and connect residents with needed resources in the wider community.

HOPE is still in the planning phase and currently, we are not taking names for a waitlist. However, we are now collecting responses via this interest form in order to understand our community’s interest in our potential future projects. Please complete the form!

We envision having multiple HOPE NC communities. Some will be all affordable rental while others will have opportunities for home ownership as part of a mixed-income project.

You can stay connected via our website, Facebook page, and Instagram. You can sign up for our mailing list here on our homepage.

HOPE NC is in search of volunteers, of all ages and abilities! If you are interested please contact us via email to help us with a variety of tasks.  With more of us working together, we will be closer to achieving our dream of creating an intentional, inclusive community in the Triangle area. We can also use your donations to help us continue the work of bringing together all the partners needed to create more options for this type of inclusive housing across the state. You can donate on our homepage here. Thank you!

HOPE NC partners with community organizations who already have housing or who are building housing. The housing developer agrees to set aside a certain number of homes (apartments, condos, etc) for adults with I/DD. HOPE NC then assists with the referral and application process and hires a Community Facilitator to work onsite at the community toprovide support to the adults with I/DD who live there.

Anyone who is 18 or older with I/DD can live in a HOPE NC community. We do not provide direct support professionals so whatever assistance is needed for daily living skills must be provided by either the Medicaid Waiver supports or the family. We do not have onsite 24/7 staff.  

We find that all residents, with or without disabilities, benefit from the added programming and activities provided by our Community Facilitators because it increases everyone's social engagement which leads to increased natural support and feelings of belonging. All activities and programs are free for all residents. In addition, the Community Facilitator acts as a liaison between all the providers that are in a resident's life including the housing provider, property management, rental assistance organization and service providers. The Community Facilitator also works with each individual to identify their personal goals and connect residents with resources to assist in meeting those goals.

Right now, each community has their own process for applications so the best way is to get on our Housing Interest list so you can be notified of any upcoming new housing projects or vacancies in any of the current ones. You can also get on our HOPE NC newsletter mailing list to hear about current events and community updates.