News and Information:
AMAZING!
The Home Possible Project is Extremely Grateful to have been Awarded a $10,000 Daniell Fund Grant from the Gilford Community Church! https://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gilford-community-church-awards-45000-through-daniell-fund
Our Letter in the Laconia Daily Sun and Gilford Steamer about Warrant Article 27 Vote
The Home Possible Project: Thank You to Our Supporters
We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Gilford Town Selectmen, other Town officials and the many residents of our community who stood behind The Home Possible Project. Although the recent vote did not yield the outcome we had hoped for, the overwhelming support by members of our community has not gone unnoticed, and we are extremely grateful.
The origin of the Home Possible Project stemmed from a vital need and a profound commitment to creating supportive housing for adults with developmental disabilities. Despite the setback of the recent vote, our belief in the importance of this endeavor remains steadfast and we are certain we will find a location to call home that is deserving of these amazing individuals.
This experience has only served to fortify our determination to ensure that adults with developmental disabilities have access to the supportive housing they need. We are unwavering in our pursuit of finding a permanent, lifelong home for this remarkable group of individuals. We will forge ahead until our mission is accomplished.
Once again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to all who lent their support. We urge the community to continue championing inclusive and compassionate initiatives such as this one. In our quest for a home, we appeal to anyone willing to offer a suitable parcel of land or support our mission in any capacity to please reach out to us.
Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to express our gratitude and to articulate our vision for a more inclusive community, where everyone is valued and supported.
For information or to support us: www.homepossiblenh.org
Lisa DiMartino, Joel Fisher, Karen McDowell, Deb Nugent, Katie Guest, Cheryl Larose, Dorothy Piquado.
The Home Possible Project Board of Directors
The Home Possible Project Board addresses concerns in a letter to the Laconia Sun, click on below link:
Another letter to the Laconia Sun by our board about Article 27, click on below link:
Article about the abutting neighborhood group opposition to Article 27, click on below link:
The Home Possible Project held 2 Public Information sessions, had info packets at the library, on our website, and presented to the Gilford Rotary and at the Town Deliberative Session, see below link:
Letter of Support from Pastor Michael Graham of the Gilford Community Church, see below link:
Letter of Support from Becky Bryant, Lakes Region Community Services, see below link:
Information about the Town of Gilford Property Initiative Voted on by the Town on March 12:
The Gilford Town Selectmen have supported our project by placing a Warrant Article on the Town Ballot for Tuesday March 12th! We need your support Gilford, please Vote YES on Article 27!
Please read the below information about our project and the Alvah Wilson Road property!
The Home Possible Project is a visionary initiative by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to establishing supportive housing for adults with developmental disabilities. This transformative project has received the endorsement of the Gilford Town Selectmen, who have recommended its inclusion on the town ballot for voters to decide in March 2024.
The Board of Selectmen, in a meeting on December 20, 2023, unanimously supported our project and expressed willingness to submit a warrant article asking voters to approve the transfer of town land for the development of supportive housing for developmentally disabled adults. Article 27, will be on the town ballot in March, having been recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-0, proposing the conveyance of a 9-acre parcel of town owned land on Alvah Wilson Road to The Home Possible Project for $1, exclusively for the construction of supportive housing.
The Home Possible Project wholeheartedly thanks the Gilford Town Selectmen for their support and intends to be fully engaged with the community providing information and updates leading up to elections in March. We want to ensure that town residents have all the facts when voting on this extremely important initiative that affects some of our most at-risk citizens. Please see Warrant Article 27 and the Town of Gilford information at the Conclusion section below.
Alvah Wilson Property and Eco-Friendly Building Plan
The town-owned property is on Alvah Wilson Road, spanning approximately 9 acres. It has no deed restrictions, has been owned by the town since 1973 (50 years) and the town has no targeted use for the property. It is an ideal location near our schools, recreational fields, and Gilford Village.
If the Home Possible Project is fortunate enough to receive support from our community and Article 27 passes, we intend to be good stewards of the land. Notably, our project is committed to responsible land use and minimal impact on the neighboring community.
While the town-owned property on Alvah Wilson Road is approximately 9 total acres, it has substantial wetlands. Our plan carefully considers only a small portion of the property, approximately 2 acres, for one supportive housing building of approximately 9,000 SF plus an attached garage, storage space, outdoor recreation and garden areas.
Despite the limited buildable area within the entire land parcel and our lack of plans for further development, we are actively exploring methods to preserve the unused portion of the land that is surplus to our project's requirements. This involves considering conservation measures and other strategies to safeguard the property for both present and future purposes.
The buildable area and proposed location for our future building will be approximately in the center of the overall property and set back about 200 feet from Alvah Wilson Road. This location will provide for minimal impact to the overall parcel of land and create a buffer zone of forests and protected wetlands around the building and for the surrounding area.
A NH State certified wetland scientist has assessed the Alvah Wilson Road property and determined there is a buildable area (not wetlands) that is available to meet our building needs. The design will adhere to eco-friendly principles, ensuring minimal impact on the wetlands while creating a sustainable and harmonious living environment. A survey and site plan of the property will be completed after Article 27 passes.
To see our building plan, please go to the About link at the top of any page, scroll down and click on Our Plan!
No Cost to Town Residents:
This project initiative places NO financial burden on town residents. The construction will be funded through federal, state, and private sector grants and donations, with continuing operating costs covered by affordable lease/rent charged to each resident and service budgets paid for by federal and state funding via the residents’ NH Bureau of Developmental Service budgets.
Our Physical Space:
The supportive housing building is designed to house 10 adults with developmental disabilities. It will comprise 10 separate studio/one-bedroom apartments, each equipped with ADA-compliant bathroom and kitchenette, and an emphasis on energy efficiency and universal design concepts. Common areas such as the kitchen/dining area and the family and activity rooms are strategically incorporated to promote socialization, friendships, and a sense of community. See our attached building plan and a drawing depicting our future building’s approximate location on the 9-acre parcel of land.
Support Systems:
Central to the success of The Home Possible Project is the commitment to 24/7 support for residents. Trained staff will aid with daily living skills, food preparation, socialization, medication management, health monitoring, and transportation to jobs, volunteer and recreational activities and meeting with friends. This approach aligns with the proven Visions for Creative Housing Solutions model, fostering self-determination, autonomy, and independence for residents.
Funding:
The estimated $3.9 million project cost will be strategically sourced from donations, government and private sector grants, no-interest or low-interest loans, in-kind support, volunteerism, and various other means. Because there is such a need, the intention is not only to establish the first supportive housing building but to pave the way for additional 10-unit buildings in the future at different site location/s, if the Alvah Wilson property is realized for our first home.
The Home Possible Project’s Public Benefits:
Our Future Residents:
The majority of our 10 future residents have deep roots in Gilford. This project ensures they can continue living in a town they know and love, where they have attended schools, actively participated in the community, and developed meaningful connections.
Addressing Housing Needs:
The project directly addresses a critical need for supportive housing with services for adults with developmental disabilities. The current system faces a critical shortage, leaving many at risk of homelessness. The Home Possible Project aims to provide stable and caring housing options.
Community Integration:
Strategically located in the Gilford Village, the project promotes community integration. Collaboration with local schools, the library, the Gilford Youth Center, the Village Knolls, and other entities is envisioned, fostering inclusivity and diversity.
Economic Benefits:
Stable supportive housing contributes to economic stability for residents. Additionally, the project is expected to bring quality jobs to Gilford, meeting the staffing needs for support services.
Enhanced Social Support:
Beyond housing, The Home Possible Project will offer comprehensive support services, including skill-building programs, socialization opportunities, transportation, and community engagement activities. This holistic approach aims to contribute to the overall well-being and independence of the residents.
Promotion of Diversity and Inclusivity:
By providing housing for a diverse population, the Gilford community showcases its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The project is designed to foster a more accepting and compassionate environment for everyone.
Positive Impact on Property Values:
Research indicates that a well-designed supportive housing building can have a positive impact on surrounding property values. The Home Possible Project's commitment to an aesthetically pleasing design aligns with studies suggesting potential enhancements to the overall aesthetic and appeal of the area. Our building will have a residential home-like feel with a Gilford Village vibe.
Moral Responsibility:
At its core, supporting The Home Possible Project represents a moral obligation to uplift at-risk populations and ensure equitable access to housing and services for all citizens. Gilford's support can significantly contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and supportive community.
Conclusion:
The Home Possible Project extends its gratitude to the Board of Selectmen for their unwavering support. As the initiative progresses, the organization eagerly anticipates the community's support and decision in March 2024. Regular updates will be shared to keep the community informed and engaged in this transformative endeavor. The Home Possible Project invites all residents to be part of creating a more compassionate, inclusive, and supportive future for Gilford. Stay tuned for the unfolding of this impactful journey.
The Below Information was Taken Directly from the Town of Gilford Voter Information Packet.
ARTICLE 27: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey to The Home Possible Project, Inc., a 9 (+/-) acre parcel of land situated at Alvah Wilson Road and more particularly referenced at Tax Map 227, Lot 13; for the sum of one dollar, ($1.00), under such other terms and conditions as the Selectmen may deem to be in the best interest of the Town; provided that this conveyance shall be for the exclusive purpose of housing for developmentally disabled adults with a reversion clause in the event that such housing is not constructed on the site within a reasonable timeframe as may be determined by the Board of Selectmen. Recommended by the Board of Selectmen (3-0)
This article is intended to constitute a generous and charitable commitment from the Town towards the construction of a non-profit housing project for developmentally disabled adults with appropriate restrictions and conditions to ensure it is not used for any other purpose. This land abuts Route 11A, Alvah Wilson Road and Sprucewood Drive. The land to be conveyed was acquired by the Town in 1973 by means of a land swap and has remained in an undeveloped state since that time with no foreseeable municipal use in the near future. Prior to this development taking place, the project will need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment through various public hearings, in addition to whatever reviews and permits may also be required by the State of New Hampshire
NH’s Other Housing Crisis, NH Business Review, Red flags raised over disabled adults unmet needs: Please click on link:
https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review/2022/01/28/#?article=3928320
The Challenges of Caring for an Adult Child With Disabilities:
https://www.nextavenue.org/challenges-caring-for-adult-child-with-disabilities/
Visions for Creative Housing Solutions, Inc. www.visionsnh.org
Our Place, Inc. www.ourplacenh.org
The Autism Housing Network: https://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/
U.S Department of Health & Human Services IACC: https://iacc.hhs.gov/resources/
New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/
Lakes Region Community Services: https://www.lrcs.org/
Friends of Lafayette House: https://www.friendsoflafayettehouse.org/home
