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Tri-Valley REACH believes housing should be accessible and affordable for all, especially for individuals living with mental and physical impairments. For the past 34 years, the organization has made strides in increasing local housing options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The nonprofit recently opened its newest rental unit, in Camden Common in Livermore, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and touring event dubbed “Sweetheart Open House.” Held Feb. 7, community leaders and residents joined together to celebrate REACH’s newly acquired townhouse.
The event marked a “new chapter of expansion,” organizers said.
“As a result of this collaboration with the city of Livermore, REACH can now offer a beautiful, safe, and extremely affordable home to four more adults with I/DD,” said Kay King, REACH board chair, during the Sweetheart Open House event.
REACH is dedicated to creating safe, affordable housing specifically for adults with I/DD. The organization purchases clusters of homes in order to transform them into accessible living groups where I/DD adults are set up to thrive.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 6.5 million people with I/DD which can include a range of diagnoses, including autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
“The REACH shared housing model promotes inclusivity at its best, fostering relationships between residents and neighbors while facilitating independent living skills,” King said.
Located in the Springtown neighborhood, REACH said the townhouse is ideal for its close proximity to dining, shopping and transportation.
This model of living allows participants to have a sense of belonging and community while still maintaining a sense of independence. Residents are encouraged to partake in both communal and solo activities.
Livermore Mayor John Marchand shared remarks during the ceremony.
“We remain committed to helping those in our community that are the most vulnerable,” Marchand said. “One of the pillars of the city’s strategic plan is creating a community that thrives. If this community is going to thrive, everyone must have an opportunity to have a place to live, a place to be. That is what this collaboration has done — creating spaces where people can thrive.”
Guests were invited to view the newly renovated home during the open house event.
REACH board member Jamie Renton said, “Together, we can build a community where every individual has the chance to flourish in independence.” Renton also serves the Pleasanton Unified School District as an adults with disabilities transition specialist for the Pleasanton Adult and Career Education.
Currently the nonprofit supports 42 residents in 12 homes across Pleasanton and Livermore. Its properties’ rents are income-based, offering low-income I/DD adults to attain affordable housing.
To find out more about Tri-Valley REACH, visit their website at https://trivalleyreach.org/.
