Our Problem

There are parents in the world who have a constant fear: “What if my child with disabilities outlives me?" We imagine that’s what brought you here. Young adults with autism, physical and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (P/I/DD) are outliving their senior parents. At least 114,000 people in South Carolina have P/I/DD, which is enough to fill Williams Brice Stadium.  Seventy-two percent of that population live with their aging family, meaning approximately 30,000 people with P/I/DD will need housing in the next 20-30 years. This number will only increase, along with the rise of P/I/DD and autism.

The Board of Harmony Christian Community is determined to bring affordable housing to adults with these disabilities. Without these options, the probability of those with disabilities becoming homeless and helpless is high.  Where do the children go when their parents are gone? Almost 8 million baby boomers are retiring, and supported living options are not keeping up with demand. Because 80% of individuals with P/I/DD are unemployed or under-employed, many of these individuals live well below the poverty level and typical supported living facilities are outside the affordability of most individuals and families. 

As parents age, they begin to look for options for their kids and typically discover that those seeking residential services through the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) must be on the “critical list.” To be on the “critical list,” the young adult either has only one ailing parent, is homeless, or is in a case of abuse or neglect. There are currently 223 young adults on the residential needs list statewide; 46 are in Richland/Lexington County. Right now, there are no longer options within state funding for these young adults to move out and begin the process of independent living. Although transition support is mandated at 13-years-old in public schools, few parents realize the importance of this training for their young adults’ future if they wish to live independently.  This is our role – to serve as the bridge you seek. For further details, visit our About tab.