Our region’s lack of affordable housing is even more profound for adults who require supportive services – in fact, a 2023 report identified the need for more than 600 homes statewide to meet the needs of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) seeking independent living in safe, service-supportive housing.
That’s why a group of more than 120 Vermont parents created the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative (DDHI) to advocate for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. These dedicated advocates demonstrated the overwhelming need for affordable peer housing residences for their family members. They succeeded in 2022 when the Vermont Legislature passed Act 186, establishing a pilot program with State funding for planning and developing new, inclusive housing options throughout Vermont.
Champlain Housing Trust received one of the three pilot grants and collaboratively developed a model for 10 affordable, permanent service supported apartments on St. Paul Street in Burlington for adults with I/DD.
“We are so very grateful for the expertise, support and guidance from Champlain Housing Trust in the planning and development of the service supported housing community at St. Paul Street. This model of service supported housing will provide a permanent, safe and affordable home for our adult children, while at the same time affording us aging parents the knowledge and comfort that our adult sons and daughters will be supported and cared for long into the future when we are no longer here,” said the parent advocates.
In developing and designing these homes located in a neighborhood close to parks, public transportation, educational and medical facilities, as well as shopping, and entertainment, CHT along with DDHI, Duncan Wisniewski Architecture, Howard Center and Champlain Community Services, is creating a new, innovative housing model that will be the first of its kind in Vermont.
The model combines traditional apartment living with individualized services and community support similar to cohousing where residents have the privacy of their own apartments and are also able to socialize in communal spaces including a shared kitchen, living room and dining room. Residents may host friends and family, share a potluck dinner or enjoy activities facilitated by on-site staff in the common living room.
The new design features renovation of an existing building and a substantial low-rise addition that will resemble townhouses. The one- and two-bedroom apartments include kitchens and living rooms and specialized features to address mobility, sensory, and care requirements. Champlain Housing Trust owns and will manage the property, and on-site supportive services will be provided by Howard Center.
The redevelopment of the property recently received the green light from the City of Burlington and construction will begin soon. The project has been funded by several state and local sources and got a boost from a special $2.8 million appropriation by the Legislature to Vermont Housing & Conservation Board in 2025.
Moving forward, a study committee authorized by the Legislature is looking for a dedicated funding source to move beyond the pilot phase and meet the needs of adults with I/DDs.