Project Beacon and Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare Launch Housing Study for Adults with Autism

Project Beacon announced a new partnership with Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare on July 15 to conduct a housing market analysis focused on addressing the housing needs of adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Project Beacon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on improving the quality of life for children and adults with neurodiversities such as autism, according to a press release.

What you need to know

The study is being conducted by the Arizona-based nonprofit First Place Global Leadership Institute, according to a July 15 Project Beacon press release. The study will look at factors that prevent neurodivergent and disabled people from obtaining housing, including:

• Income
• Accessibility
• Availability of jobs

Caregivers, advocates, and others will be able to provide input into the study from July 25 through September 6. On July 25, Project Beacon will host a Zoom webinar to provide information about how the study is being conducted and to gain additional insights from potential participants.

Why it matters

A 1,068-page report prepared in August 2023 by the Montgomery County Office of Community Development flagged several concerns about vulnerable populations receiving affordable housing, including:

• Insufficient education and outreach efforts on fair housing
• Demand a higher level of enforcement of fair housing laws
• A lack of affordable housing that is accessible to people with disabilities
• Higher unemployment rates among people of color cause disproportionately high costs

According to the report, 9% of the region’s residents aged 18 to 64 live below the poverty line, while this percentage is 14% for disabled adults.

Quote of interest

“(Montgomery County) is a wonderful place to live, work, play, worship and learn, and this study will provide valuable insights into the specific preferences and needs of this community so organizations like Project Beacon can collaborate with other community leaders to create differentiated offerings for the A/I/DD community,” said Kelly Baughman, executive director and co-founder of Project Beacon.