More than a house

Promise Community Homes celebrates 50 years of providing affordable homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021 only 19.1% of people with disabilities were unemployed. Though it was slight jump from 2020, there is a still a great challenge for many people with disabilities to obtain gainful employment, which also impacts their ability to secure suitable housing.

The nonprofit Promise Community Homes, formerly Rainbow Village, which is located in Creve Coeur, is celebrating its 50th year of providing affordable homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In 1973, nine parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities began the organization with seven homes serving a few dozen residents. Today, the nonprofit is the largest specialty housing nonprofit in St. Louis providing 300 adults with IDD in 86 homes throughout St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County.

Among other factors, a big obstacle to people with IDD in securing housing is income.

“Most of our residents receive less than $800 a month in disability waivers from the state, so they cannot pay market rate rents unless they’re bringing in other income,” explains Lisa Dickerson, operations director. “Employment is also a challenge because you must consider other supports to be successful in a job, like having reliable transportation.”

In addition, it can be challenging to find property owners who are willing to provide accessibility supports such as ramps or bathrooms outfitted to accommodate special needs.

Along with housing, PCH provides other amenities in their Wolff Community Center for its residents including a heated therapeutic pool, a gymnasium and patio, that can be rented by community members of all abilities and a garden bed to grow food.

People with IDD who need housing are typically referred to the nonprofit from other agencies and receive waivers from the Department of Mental Health. The organization helps people and families navigate the process to secure housing with them.

Mary Wilson has been a resident with the nonprofit since 1998 and enjoys living near the Wolff Community Center. She also participates in the agency’s Aging With Empowerment program.

“It’s good,” she said. “I love my two roommates. I walk to the center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I am happy living there. It’s easy to walk places.”

Providing suitable housing for people with IDD not only give the residents as sense of personal freedom but also allows families to receive the support they need and the peace of mind knowing their family members are safe.

Terry Richter has three adult sons who have been living in a PCH home since 2018.

“It’s given me another chance at life, and it’s given my sons a chance to grow up and be independent. It’s been great for my sons!”