We are thrilled to see so many incredible communities worldwide. Unfortunately, the higher needs you have, the less options there may be. Many communities do not offer housing for less independent residents. Most do not have a housing option for the parents to join the community as well. Sarah's Acres aims to be a first for this new model to bring all of the positives of other models together within a community focused on family and support for higher needs children and adults.
Parents and others are taking charge and we are seeing an increase in housing options for those needing support. Please note this is only a resource list, not a recommendation. Please do your own research to find the best fit for your needs. Email us at hello@sarahsacres.org to share a new listing!
Camphill Over the past eighty years, the international Camphill movement has grown to more than one hundred communities in twenty two countries, where people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and care for each other based on social, spiritual, cultural and agricultural renewal. In each extended-family household or independent living arrangement, natural relationships form a mutually supportive environment that lead to opportunities for each person to discover and develop to their full potential.
L'Arche and L'Arche USA At the core of L’Arche in the United States are 79 homes, nearly 300 Americans, and an extensive team of support. Worldwide there are more than 150 communities across 37 countries working as grassroots change makers, addressing local needs with relevance and impact.
WeBuilt (We Build Unique Independent Lives Together) First community in Clackamas, Oregon with additional communities being developed in Missouri, Texas, California, and North Carolina. The concept of WeBUILT was developed and executed by founder Ann Wilkinson's and her Partner Patrice Lester. Ann's journey began when she searched for long term housing for her son. This journey quickly revealed the gaps in available housing opportunities for adults that experience disabilities. She knew that she needed something that was going to provide predictability and well as consistency for her son. A home for him to be comfortable and safe, as well as age in place. She created that community in WeBUILT.
CONNECTICUT
Creative Living Community of CT - Manchester, CT - (in development)
CLCC seeks to create a shared, inclusive living experience for individuals with and without developmental disabilities in a farm community, by focusing upon the gifts of all in mutually rewarding relationships. The farm community is the key element of the vision. People with and without a disability will interact by living together, working together and socializing together.
High Spirit -Great Barrington, MA
High Spirit recognizes the essential need of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a dignified home, meaningful work, and a rich social and cultural life. We do this through:
-Shared Living at High Spirit Community Farm
Supports residential life in which an adult with disabilities lives as a household member in a family home with care, responsibilities, and lifelong relationships
-Integrated Work-Life at High Spirit Community Farm
Provides a flexible day program meeting the needs and interests of each individual.
-High Spirit Advisory
Serves as a catalyst, making this model of care and community more widely available.
Advises others seeking to create new communities based on the High Spirit model.
VIRGINIA
Abide Village - Holly Grove, VA
Abide Village is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive and sustainable housing community designed to meet the needs of low income individuals and those with disabilities.
The planned development will consist of at least 30 tiny homes. Abide Village will also feature a community center offering weekly activities, a small working farm with a farm store, a bed-and-breakfast with a tea room, walking trails and a community garden.
Good Neighbor Village - Richmond, VA - 24 residents in three homes
"Good Neighbor Village was born out of a need to provide adults who have intellectual disabilities with a place to live while maintaining their comfort and dignity and giving their families peace of mind. We provide the necessary steppingstones, such as housing, 24-hour staff, fellowship, and society, to guarantee that residents have the resources and opportunities to become the most productive and self-sufficient members of the community that they are able to be."
Innisfree Village - Crozet, VA
"Lifesharing community nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Crozet, Virginia. Since 1971, we have been dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At Innisfree, we believe in the power of community living, where every individual is valued and empowered to lead a fulfilling and challenging life. Our residents (called coworkers), volunteers, and staff live, work, and play together, creating a vibrant, supportive atmosphere that fosters personal growth, creativity, and a deep connection to nature." *Must be able to eat and toilet independently.
Vanguard Landing - Virginia Beach, VA (in development, opening in 2026)
The Mission of Vanguard Landing is to offer a safe, intentional, interactive, and inclusive community where persons with intellectual and developmental differences can thrive and achieve their life’s full potential.
We believe that our friends and family members that may need a little support to live as independently as possible, have the right to choose where they live and work.
Vanguard Landing, an exciting new Intentional (planned) community, will be the FIRST of it’s kind and scope in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is designed around the support needs of those with disabilities while living next to those without disabilities!
TEXAS
Marbridge - Manchaca, TX - 90 residents in 15 cottages
"Non-profit residential community that offers transitional and lifetime care to adults with a wide range of cognitive disabilities and provides them opportunities to learn, experience, and achieve a whole new life." *Must be independent in daily living skills.
COMING SOON
DENMARK
Hertha Levefællesskab - 140 residents
Galten, Denmark
"The living community is based on the fact that “ordinary” people choose to live in a close and rewarding neighbourhood with adults with disabilities. We call it reverse integration. The living community is inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s educational and social impulses, and we value social readiness, sustainability and the freedom of the individual."
GERMANY
Münzinghof - 150 residents in shared homes or apartments, or individual apartments
Velden, Germany
Here, people with and without support needs, who want to shape and develop community together, live and work under one roof. Münzinghof is home to people of all ages - for children, young people, adults and older people who spend their retirement here.
Die Lebensgemeinschaft (The Living Community) - Two villages with a total of 23 "families" (group living) plus 3 independent living apartment complexes
Richthof and Hof Sassen, Germany
The community forms an integrative community in the two villages of Sassen and Richthof. People with and without need for help live together in large families or other forms of housing, work together in various businesses belonging to the two villages (WfbM) and help each other according to their individual abilities in the design and administration of the village communities.
ICELAND
Sólheimar - 100 residents, 40 of whom have disabilities
Selfoss, Iceland
A village in southern Iceland, located about 80 km from Reykjavík. Founded in 1930 by Sesselja H. Sigmundsdóttir (1902-1974), it is the first community of its kind in the world, where abled and disabled people live and work together. Sólheimar is also the first community in Scandinavia where organic cultivation is practiced. Today Sólheimar is a village with 100 inhabitants, 40 of whom have disabilities, and spreads across an area of approximately 250 hectares.