Douglas County proclaims Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and approves $2.5M supportive‑housing grant for adults with ID

Douglas County commissioners on March 24 adopted a resolution proclaiming March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and unanimously approved a $2.5 million grant from the county's developmental disabilities (DD) mill levy to Wellspring Community to expand supportive housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The proclamation, read into the record with a short video, recalled the federal proclamation recognizing March as National Developmental Disability Awareness Month and highlighted the county's 1‑mill property tax, approved by voters in 2001, that has funded services since 2002. Staff said most mill‑levy revenue historically is allocated to Developmental Pathways and to a competitive grants program that has distributed nearly $7 million to local organizations.

Why it matters: Commissioners and service providers said the grant will expand long‑term affordable housing and supportive services for adults with ID in Douglas County, addressing a growing need as caregivers age. Wellspring intends to repurpose a former hotel in downtown Castle Rock into a mixed‑use building, adding 24 residential units (at least 12 permanently designated for people with ID) and first‑floor supportive programming and employment spaces.

Wellspring's presentation and resident testimony: Nicole Dere, executive director of Wellspring Community, told the board the project will add needed residential capacity and help address a waitlist for services; she said Wellspring serves about 130 adults weekly and is working to reduce a waitlist of roughly 180 people seeking work and day programming. Several residents and staff from partner organizations gave on‑record testimonials describing improved independence, safety features at Unity on Park (fob access, 24‑hour call support) and employment supports.

Process and funding details: Staff said the county posted a request for supportive‑housing proposals in January 2026 and received seven applications. A review committee—three county staff with ID grant experience, one Developmental Pathways representative and one Douglas County Housing Partnership representative—used a weighted scoring tool that evaluated financial stability, organizational capacity, the number of Douglas County residents served, site readiness, timeline, and leveraged financing. Wellspring's proposal scored highest. The board was told the $2,500,000 will be reserved and distributed in three equal installments of $833,333 annually from 2026 through 2028.

Board action and votes: After brief comments about the importance of sustaining Developmental Pathways while expanding housing, the board moved and seconded approval of the grant agreement. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the grant agreement.

What happens next: Staff and Wellspring will proceed with project acquisition and program planning; commissioners said they expect continued public reporting on implementation. The proclamation and grant are intended to work together: the proclamation raises awareness while the grant funds a specific housing project to expand services for adults with ID.

Source: Douglas County Board of County Commissioners business meeting, March 24, 2026. Direct quotes and on‑record testimony from Matt Van Hawin (executive director/CEO, Developmental Pathways), Nicole Dere (executive director, Wellspring) and multiple residents were presented to the board during the proclamation and grant agenda items.