Our September Informational Tour found us traveling to Wilmette to visit the inaugural home created by Our House Communities (OHC). A family-driven nonprofit, OHC has a goal of creating cutting-edge residential options for those who want to live on their own, control their day-to-day activities, and reside in their home community. A grant from New Trier Township helped to start the organization.
Opened in May, 2017, the Wilmette house is home to four young men and a live-in House Manager. The house is operated as an intentional community, with the individuals sharing their lives and supporting each other in attaining their personal goals. The House Manager is a “member of the family” and has been very successful in helping to create a family-style home, facilitating the four housemates in becoming more independent, and supporting their activities in the community. Two program leaders from Our Place, who know the housemates well, provide part-time support two days per week when the House Manager is off.
Families are directly involved in managing the house to ensure that their sons’ interests and needs are met. All four of the housemates work at jobs in the community and all continue to attend day programs at Our Place, which is conveniently located just blocks from the house. Each housemate has his own lease with the investor who owns the house and each has a signed agreement with the House Manager.
Many thanks to Jane Gallery for facilitating our tour, and to the housemates and House Manager for allowing us to visit. Your home is fantastic!
For more information on OHC, visit their website at http://www.OurHouseCommunities.org
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