The Challenge

We know there is a need for community based, integrated housing for people with developmental disabilities.  But how big is the problem.  The following section looks at statistics that highlight the scope of the problem.

1. The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act establishes the State‘s responsibility to provide services to the more than 225,000 people in California who have developmental disabilities.
2. In the last ten years from 1996-2006 the number of people with developmental disabilities served by Regional Centers increased 60.5 percent; while California‘s general population increased 18.3 percent. More than half the population served are younger than 22 years old.
3. The last ten years have also seen the number of people with developmental disabilities living with their parents go up from 65.5% in 1996 to 72.6% in 2006. Although number of people within the community that would like to live independently and be a part of the mainstream society is increasing, it has become increasingly difficult.
4. If we estimate that just 15 percent of adults with developmental disabilities between the ages of 22 and 61 want a place to call home, that would be approximately 12,900 people. If just 15 percent of families with children with developmental disabilities were to seek a safe, affordable place to live, that would be another approximately 18,500 people.

Today, we can estimate that up to 31,000 people need safe, decent affordable housing with options that will keep families together and people out of institutions.

The demand for affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities is increasing significantly.