Inclusion Connects: Community Living

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Community Living in Action

Share your Story. Locate Housing, Funding, and Support Resources.

Share your Success Story

Inclusion Connects is excited to announce the release of three survey tools for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and providers who work with the I/DD community.

These surveys are here to:

  • Celebrate the success stories of people with I/DD and providers
  • Give helpful advice to others thinking about making the move
  • Make the process easier to understand for people with I/DD

If you are a person with I/DD who has moved from an institutional to a non-institutional setting, please share your story by filling out this survey.

If you are a provider in North Carolina who has facilitated community transitions and work to support people with I/DD, please share your story by filling out this survey.

If you are a person with I/DD who is living in the community but did not move from an institutional setting, please share your story by filling out this survey.

Once we have compiled your responses, we will share the successes by posting your stories on the Inclusion Connects website. We look forward to celebrating you!

Community Living Guide

The Transition and Housing Pillar of Inclusion Connects is actively working to increase access to a full range of community housing options for people with I/DD. This guide provides webpage links and contact information for a variety of resources, including those for Housing, Funding, and Supports.

Use the “Find Housing” drop-down menu to look for shelter and housing near you. You can find immediate shelter and housing resources, contacts for housing information, search for housing near you, and explore a wide range of community-based living options across North Carolina.

Use the “Find Funding” drop-down menu to look for funding and financial assistance. You can learn more about getting help to pay for supportive and independent living options, voucher programs, and receiving financial aid for rent, utilities, and other home costs.

Use the “Find Supports” drop-down menu to explore resources for successful and healthy community living. You can find resources related to accessibility modifications, assistive technologies, and supports related to food and nutrition, transportation, social supports, caregiver support, and others.

Using this Guide

  1. Click on the drop-down menu to explore resources for the category you are interested in.
  2. Read through available resources and click on the links to learn more.
  3. For additional information specific to your region, reach out to your Local Management Entity / Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) today. Or visit the below links:

NCDHHS does not endorse any specific service providers or housing models identified in the Community Living Guide. Please use the contact information provided to reach out and learn more about the organizations.

Tab/Accordion Items

Need Immediate Shelter

Find Housing Contacts

Search for Available Housing

Learn More about these Community Models in North Carolina*
*Not state-endorsed. These communities are in various stages of development. We encourage you to reach out directly to each organization to learn more.

  • Housing initiatives and communities specific to people with I/DD - in operation:
    • In the Triangle area, Hope NC works to create inclusive, affordable housing.
    • In Whitsett, Peacehaven Farms provides a supportive home and resource network, emphasizing inclusive learning, living, and employment.
    • My Forever Home partners with housing developers to assist people with I/DD transitioning into independent living housing.
    • In Chapel Hill, The G House provides a supportive living space for young adults with I/DD.
    • The Arc offers housing and property management services for people with I/DD across North Carolina.
    • At Wingate University in Charlotte, Julia’s Community operates Julia’s Friendship House, an interdependent living community housing both able and disabled residents.
  • Housing initiatives and communities specific to people with I/DD - in development:
    • In Durham, Midtown Housing Coalition is planning a “tiny home” community to foster independence and L’Arche is renovating Sailing Home to serve as a supportive home for people with and without I/DD.
    • In Charlotte, Indie Tree looks to build 50 apartments with tailored accommodations and community spaces and Amongst Friends has created dorm-style units for young adults to mimic the college experience.
    • In Wilkes County, WeBUILT is designing a long-term housing community.
  • Additional affordable housing option in North Carolina:

Learn More about Housing Resources

Find Homeownership Resources

For County-Specific Housing Resources, contact your LME/MCO today.

Get Help Paying for Supported and Independent Living

Explore Financial Assistance Options and NC Medicaid Programs

For Housing Developers

Crisis services available 24/7:

  • Dial 9-8-8 or use the Hope4NC Helpline: 1-855-587-3463
  • Visit Crisis Services to find help near you.

Hurricane and Natural Disaster Services and Resources

Find Help for Accessibility Modifications and Technologies

Explore Community Supports

Other Resources

  • NC ABLE
    • The NC ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Program allows people of all ages with disabilities occurring before age 26 to save and fund various qualified disability expenses (QDEs) while maintaining Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and other public supports. Visit NCABLE.org for additional information about how NC ABLE provides tax-advantaged savings for eligible people, the additional benefits and features of the Program, how to determine if you are eligible for an account, contribution sources and withdrawal requirements, important forms, videos, webinars and more.
  • Trillium Play Together Initiative
    • The Trillium Play Together Initiative is an effort led by Trillium Health Resources to create inclusive playgrounds across Eastern North Carolina. This initiative demonstrates the fundamental right to play for all people by developing playgrounds accessible to children and adults with various abilities. Through grants and community partnerships, Trillium supports the construction of vibrant play spaces designed to remove barriers and foster inclusivity.
    • These playgrounds are not just about fun but essential tools for community building and social integration. Each site is equipped with state-of-the-art, accessible play equipment that accommodates both physical and developmental needs. Playgrounds have equipment and features to allow people of all ages and abilities to play together outside. Features can include:
      • Rubberized surface for wheelchairs and other assistive devices to travel over more smoothly
      • Equipment for those with sensory issues
      • Full support swings
      • Liberty Swing that can be used with a wheelchair
      • Doublewide ramps
    • Trillium's commitment to enhancing community infrastructure reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity and equality in public spaces. By investing in playgrounds where children of all abilities can play side by side, Trillium Play Together sets a powerful example of how communities can unite to support diversity and inclusion. Their ongoing efforts underscore the importance of accessibility in promoting equality, joy, and community cohesion. Trillium Play Together Map
  • The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities has created a Supported Living 2 and 3 Guidebook.
  • Made4Me makes personalized adaptations out of industrial-strength cardboard at NO cost to families.
  • North Carolina Healthy Homes offers support and resources related to educating people about maintaining a healthy house.
  • Learn how to access In-Home Aid Services through NCDHHS, including links to local provider directories.
  • Explore Member and Provider information for your Tailored Plan:
  • Visit NCSTART for crisis prevention services and information about NCSTART’s intervention program for people with I/DD age six (6) and above with co-occurring complex behavioral and/or mental health needs.
  • Explore InReach NC to access a variety of vocational, residential, and employment services for people with I/DD.
  • Visit H&S Therapeutic Services to learn about Private Duty Nursing, Assisted Living at Home, and Skilled Home Health Services available in North Carolina.
  • Reach out to the NC Medicaid Ombudsman for NC Medicaid member education and to get help accessing healthcare, housing, food assistance, and other resources.

  • Learn about the Supports Intensity Scale here: NC Innovations Supports Intensity Scale | NC Medicaid.

  • People with I/DD and their support systems can self-refer to the UNC Adult Psychiatry Clinic | UNC Health to access psychiatric health services.

  • Visit the NCDHHS System of Care website to learn about this service model for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues.

Last Updated: November 5, 2025.

Need Contact Information for these Resources?

See the Printable Community Living Resource Directory.