JESPY House, a nonprofit organization based in South Orange, New Jersey, is dedicated to finding affordable housing solutions for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The lack of affordable housing poses a significant challenge for this vulnerable community, hindering their ability to maintain independence. Audrey Winkler, the Executive Director of JESPY House, highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue, stating that escalating rents outpace salaries, making affordable housing increasingly hard to come by.
The Urban Institute reports that people with disabilities face unique barriers to finding and retaining quality, affordable housing. Locally, The Star-Ledger has documented the lengthy wait times for independent living opportunities for New Jerseyans with disabilities. JESPY House has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the critical need for affordable housing options for the IDD community. Through advocacy efforts with statewide organizations and collaborations with other agencies, JESPY House aims to address the housing crisis faced by adults with disabilities.
To tackle this issue, JESPY House has launched the Go Big for JESPY initiative, which aims to create the JESPY Center and The Hub. The JESPY Center will offer expanded residential opportunities, vocational training, health and wellness programs, and more for adults with IDD. The Hub will provide residential units and services for young adults transitioning to independent living. The initiative has already garnered significant philanthropic support, with the Cooperman Family Campus at JESPY House receiving a $13.25 million grant challenge from philanthropists Toby and Leon Cooperman.
Clients and their families have expressed overwhelming support for the Go Big initiative, recognizing its potential to help adults with IDD live independently for years to come. Local residents have also joined in a social media campaign to support the development of The JESPY Center. Through these efforts, JESPY House hopes to create a supportive and inclusive community where individuals with disabilities can thrive.
For further information about the Go Big for JESPY initiative, visit the official JESPY House website or contact Amy Engel, Director of Development, Marketing & Community Relations at 973-437-3770. JESPY House is committed to providing comprehensive services and programs to help adults with IDD lead fulfilling lives and achieve independence in a supportive community.
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