Our Homestead was founded by a group of parents who share a common concern: the future well-being and independence of their adult sons with developmental disabilities. These five families, each with a son facing unique challenges, recognized the urgent need for sustainable, community-based housing solutions that would endure beyond their own ability to provide care.
The founding team brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization. Several members have backgrounds in social work, education, nonprofit management, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
This diverse and deeply invested leadership team ensures that Our Homestead’s work is informed by lived experience, professional expertise, and a steadfast commitment to the rights and aspirations of adults with developmental disabilities.
Our Homestead’s mission is to provide residential options, services, and support designed to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities and similar disabling conditions. The organization is dedicated to fostering growth and independence through vocational, social, and recreational opportunities, with a vision of empowering adults to thrive in supportive, community-integrated environments.
This mission is rooted in the recognition that adults with developmental disabilities require more than just a place to live—they need a home that supports their autonomy, well-being, and participation in community life. Our Homestead’s approach is person-centered, emphasizing tailored support and a commitment to inclusion, choice, and long-term stability.
Our Homestead’s central initiative is the creation of a long-term, community-based residence for adults with developmental disabilities. The envisioned housing model is designed to balance individual autonomy with shared community life, providing each resident with their own private space while fostering opportunities for socialization, vocational engagement, and recreational activities.
The organization’s approach is informed by best practices in supportive housing, emphasizing universal design, accessibility, and integration with local services and amenities. The residence will include:
Private living quarters for each resident, ensuring dignity and personal space.
Shared community areas such as kitchens, living rooms, and recreational spaces to encourage social interaction and mutual support.
On-site or nearby support services tailored to individual needs, including assistance with daily living, vocational training, and access to healthcare.
Community integration through partnerships with local organizations, employers, and recreational programs.
This model is designed to be both scalable and replicable, with the potential to serve as a template for similar initiatives across New Hampshire and beyond.
New Hampshire has very limited housing options for adults with developmental disabilities.
Residents with disabilities are twice as likely as the general population to live in substandard housing.
Approximately 73% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Hampshire live with a family caregiver, and 27% of these caregivers are over 60 years old, highlighting the urgent need for alternative housing solutions.
Without new housing, these adults face a high risk of homelessness and unstable care as families age.
Our Homestead’s central initiative is the creation of a long-term, community-based residence for adults with developmental disabilities.
Develop a residence where each person has a private living space plus shared community areas to encourage independence, friendships, and meaningful community connection.
Design for aging in place so residents can remain safe and supported as their needs change.
Our Homestead stands at the forefront of a vital movement to create long-term, community-based housing solutions for adults with developmental disabilities in New Hampshire.
We are ready to begin fundraising and evaluating potential land or existing structures for renovation.
Construction or renovation costs are substantial; community support is essential to move from planning to building.
