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Greater Burlington Industrial Corp. backs pilot housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Summary
Frank Coffey of the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation told the Vermont House Commerce & Economic Development Committee that GBIC is supporting a multi-model housing pilot for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and worked with Champlain Housing Trust and local parents to secure initial VHIP funding.
Frank Coffey, executive director of the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation, told the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Feb. 6 that GBIC is backing a pilot program to expand housing options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Last year, you provided funds in VHIP, so that they could add housing options for those with ID and DD,” Coffey said, describing work with Champlain Housing Trust and a parent-led group called the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative. He said GBIC’s effort is in its second year and that the organization is working with public- and nonprofit-sector partners including Champlain Housing Trust, Howard Center and SD Associates.
Coffey said the initiative is testing multiple models — urban, suburban and rural — to give families and people with disabilities more permanent housing choices. “We’re trying to build homes that become their homes forever, and the people can change that come in, but the place doesn’t change,” he said.
The project grew from a grassroots group of parents seeking long-term housing solutions for adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Coffey said about 600 Vermonters are currently on lists seeking such housing.
Committee members and other attendees stressed the scale of need and noted that shared-living and family-hosting models have been piloted in Vermont. One committee member referenced a state pilot of a shared-living provider program; Coffey and others confirmed GBIC is coordinating with state human services staff and local providers to align the pilot designs with existing shared-living approaches.
GBIC said it has contributed staff time and office resources to the effort; Coffey described the work as a GBIC “passion project” rather than core economic development activity. He thanked legislators for prior budget support and said the pilot was included in the current budget proposals.
The committee discussion did not produce a formal vote or directive during the Feb. 6 meeting; members asked for continued updates and signaled support for incremental, community-led solutions. Coffey said he expects the group to bring further details and expert testimony to the Legislature as the pilot advances.
The initiative’s partners include Champlain Housing Trust and local advocacy groups; GBIC said pilot designs will vary by community to reflect urban, suburban and rural capacity and preferences.
