County ad hoc outlines housing supports for aging caregivers of people with developmental disabilities
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Summary
A Yolo County ad hoc presented to the West Sacramento Parks, Recreation and Intergenerational Services Commission on April 7, urging local outreach, planning and housing solutions after finding most people with developmental disabilities live with aging caregivers; presenters cited a 37‑unit West Sacramento housing project.
Laurie Haas, who said she works for Yolo County and serves on a commission on aging and adult services, told the commission the county formed an ad hoc committee in 2022 to study the needs of aging caregivers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"About 88 percent of the people with developmental disabilities are living with their caregivers," John Decker of Alta California Regional Center told the commission, stressing that most caregivers are aging and that the county needs more planning and supports. Decker noted regional centers can now fund social-recreation activities and described partnerships with local providers.
Ian Evans, executive director for Yolo County Housing, said housing was the top priority raised at the ad hoc's town halls. "It's a 37 unit project at 641 5th Street, and 18 of those units will be dedicated to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities through referrals directly from Alta California Regional Center," Evans said, adding that the units include project‑based vouchers from the housing authority and wrap‑around support services.
Presenters summarized outreach dating to 2022 that included six town-hall meetings and one virtual meeting across Yolo County. They said community feedback highlighted needs in housing, care planning when a caregiver can no longer provide care, local awareness of available services, assistance navigating service systems, transportation, workforce and caregiver training.
The presentation emphasized local partnerships: presenters described coordination among Alta California Regional Center, Yolo County Housing and other service providers to leverage capital and referral resources. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the timeline and how funding and referrals would work; presenters described a statewide contracting process that supported sharing successful housing models across regions.
The presentation was informational; commissioners were advised to contact staff or the presenters for in‑depth follow-up. No formal action was taken during the presentation.
The commission will retain the presentation materials; staff contact information was listed for follow-up and more detailed technical questions from commissioners.
