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Building Michigan's first disability-forward micro-village — purpose-built homes where adults with disabilities live independently and thrive.

Independence Community Safety
Discover the Vision
Grand Rapids, Michigan  •  501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Empowering independence through innovative housing solutions for individuals with disabilities — creating homes where dignity and opportunity thrive.

AIHD is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to closing the critical gap in community-based housing for adults with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. We believe that independence is not a luxury — it is a right.

The Problem

A Critical Shortage

6,000+
Children born annually with Down Syndrome in the U.S.

Medical and educational advances mean more adults with cognitive disabilities can live independently — yet purpose-built housing remains nearly nonexistent.

4M
Affordable rental home shortfall nationwide

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports a near 4 million unit shortfall for extremely low-income renters — people with disabilities are disproportionately affected.

≤30%
Area Median Income — our residents' typical earnings

People with disabilities face severe barriers to suitable, safe, and affordable housing — leaving many without the opportunity to thrive in their communities.

The Solution

Urban Micro‑Villages

12
Purpose-Built Units

Twelve prefabricated, efficiency-style single-occupancy apartments — 600 sq. ft. each — designed specifically for accessibility, safety, and hygiene.

STAFF
On-Site Support

Two dedicated units for on-site staff members who live in the community, providing support as needed without institutional oversight.

CLUB
Shared Clubhouse

A shared community clubhouse arranged around a visible courtyard — fostering connection, programming, and a true sense of neighborhood.

TECH
Smart-Home Safety

Multi-layered safety combining smart-home technology, trained programming, and on-site staff. Designed and implemented by Mathison & Mathison Architecture.

TRAN
Transit-Connected

Located in the Greater Grand Rapids area with easy access to public transportation — ensuring mobility, inclusion, and community access.

AIHD micro-village concept rendering
The Program

How It Works

01
Assessment

Prospective tenants complete an assessment and interview to determine readiness for independent living.

02
Training

Approved residents train with staff in a model home identical to their future unit before moving in.

03
Move-In

Residents settle into their own 600 sq. ft. prefabricated home — designed for accessibility and independence.

04
Ongoing Support

Continuous training and evaluation ensure long-term success. Programming fosters independence without isolation.

05
Community

Residents build relationships, participate in activities, and live as valued members of their neighborhood.

Budget & Funding

The Funding Stack

AIHD's layered funding strategy aligns proven federal programs with state and philanthropic resources to maximize impact and long-term sustainability.

35%
HUD Section 811

Capital advances for construction and Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRACs) ensuring long-term affordability at 30% of adjusted resident income.

25%
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit

Federal tax credit equity infusion from private investors — reducing reliance on high-interest financing and covering hard construction costs.

15%
HOME Investment Partnerships

Federal block grants covering unit construction, acquisition support, and maintaining long-term tenant affordability.

10%
CDBG

Community Development Block Grants funding site preparation, utility connections, accessibility features, and public-facing amenities.

10%
State Housing Trust Fund

Michigan state financing filling gaps after federal sources are applied — supporting innovation elements like technology-enabled safety features.

5%
Private Foundations & Philanthropy

Mission-driven grants and donations funding community spaces, training programs, furnishings, and resident services — with high flexibility.

Research & Evidence

Proven Models

The Kelsey
San Francisco & San José, CA

Mixed-income, mixed-ability housing with units reserved for people with disabilities. Early evaluation shows improved resident satisfaction, stronger social networks, and long-term affordability through layered funding — proving disability-forward developments succeed in urban settings.

DOMHO Smart Co-Housing
Europe

Smart-home enabled apartments for adults with cognitive impairments, built through participatory design. Residents reported improved independence and increased daily living skills — demonstrating that tech-enabled, user-informed design enhances safety without an institutional feel.

HUD Section 811 Evaluations
United States

Section 811 housing residents experience 80–90% housing stability over two years, reduced hospitalization rates, and improved community integration — directly validating AIHD's core funding strategy and mission alignment.

Members & Advisors

Our Team

David Dodde
Founder
Interior & Graphic Designer
Jennifer L. Elmer, Esq.
Founder
Attorney at Law
Jan van der Woerd
Funding Consultant
VP Real Estate Development, ICCF
Chad Fisk, AIA
Senior Architect
Mathison | Mathison Architects
Rudy Malmquist
Technology Consultant
Software Specialist
Megan Lovelace
OT & Programming Consultant
COTA
Jim Tuinstra
Consultant
Hope Network & Genesis Housing
Looking Ahead

Future Goals

Expand the Dream

AIHD's goal is to expand the micro-village concept across Michigan — serving both rural and urban communities through scalable, prefabricated construction that can be replicated efficiently and affordably.

AIHD Endowment

As AIHD grows, an endowment will be established to ensure facilities remain well-maintained, financially sustainable, and mission-driven for decades to come.

Together,
We Prove
Independence
Is Possible.

Help launch Michigan's first disability-forward micro-village. By aligning federal programs with local and philanthropic resources, we can deliver high-quality, affordable homes where adults with disabilities live independently and thrive.

Contact Us Learn More