Adults with developmental disabilities will have new opportunities for independence thanks to a partnership between Mercy Housing California and Villa de Vida, Inc. The two nonprofit organizations broke ground May 28 on Villa de Vida, a new housing community with 54 apartments in Poway, California.

Villa de Vida is designed to address the growing need for appropriate, supportive housing for adults with developmental disabilities. In California alone, there are more than 330,000 individuals with developmental disabilities, over 70% of whom are in the care of family members, typically their parents. Nationally, there are more than 3.5 million adults with developmental disabilities being cared for by family members. As parents and other caregivers age, they begin to face their own health and mobility challenges, making it more difficult to provide care for their loved ones. Permanent affordable housing with support services offers a viable and much-needed solution for these individuals.

In addition to an affordable home, the community will offer a wide range of support services onsite, designed to help residents live with independence and dignity. These include educational and skill-building classes, health and wellness activities and group social events. Villa de Vida will feature many communal spaces including an exercise room, community kitchen, lounge, and outdoor courtyard. Mercy Housing and Villa de Vida staff will also assist residents with employment and transportation options and will help connect residents to other needed services in the broader community.

The project was made possible with financing from the City of Poway, County of San Diego, Wells Fargo Bank, and California Community Reinvestment Corporation. Villa de Vida represents Mercy Housing’s fourth project in San Diego County and its second housing community serving adults with developmental disabilities. It is Villa de Vida’s first affordable housing community. Construction will be completed by late summer 2020, with residents moving in shortly thereafter.

“Mercy Housing is thrilled to partner with Villa de Vida to improve the lives of adults with developmental disabilities,” said Doug Shoemaker, President of Mercy Housing California. “We share many common values, especially the dignity of each individual.”