We know that where you live and how you live are important to you. That’s why we provide housing support to help individuals with a developmental disability or autism live more independently, with the level of care they need and want. We offer short- and long-term care, transitional housing options, and support for individuals and families who are living independently in a housing situation of their own choice. We help young adults, families, and elders find the housing situation that best fits their needs.
To learn more about our housing supports for individuals with a developmental disability, call 802.488.6500 or 802.488.6000.
Section 8 Housing Support
The Section 8 housing program is a federal program that helps elders and individuals with a disability pay for housing costs. Eligibility for the program is based on household income and family size. To apply for a voucher, individuals need to contact their local housing authority.
If you are eligible for a Section 8 housing voucher, our staff can help you with the application process. Call 802-488-6500 or 802.488-6000 for more information about Section 8.
Specialized Group Living
Our five specialized group homes have 24-hour staff and nursing support to meet the needs of all residents. The houses can accommodate from two to six people, depending on the home, and they may be coed or single sex. Three of our homes provide long-term care, with psychiatric and medical care as needed. Two of our homes offer transitional care and help residents learn new skills that will help them to live more independently.
Our Group Homes
- Pennington
Pennington is a long-term residential care home for six adults with developmental disabilities and significant medical needs. There is 24-hour staffed support, nursing oversight, and personal care support to meet the needs of all residents. The program is a long-term placement which allows individuals to age in place and to decrease the number of transitions one might experience otherwise.
- East Terrace
East Terrace is a long-term residential care home for women with developmental disabilities and significant medical needs. There is 24-hour staffed support, nursing oversight, and personal care support to meet the needs of all residents. The program is a long-term placement which allows individuals to age in place and to decrease the number of transitions one might experience otherwise.
- Atwood House
The Atwood House is a licensed residential care home that supports three individuals with developmental disabilities and significant psychiatric and medical needs. There is 24-hour staff support, nursing oversight and individualized personal care supports for the residents. The program strives to increase community engagement while balancing the unique medical and psychiatric needs of the residents. Atwood is a long-term placement which allows individuals to age in place and to decrease the number of transitions one might experience otherwise.
- Hawk Lane
Hawk Lane is a licensed therapeutic care residence. It is designed to support adults to transition to less restrictive living arrangements within 1-3 years. This 24-hour staffed residence serves individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders and most often a co-occurring mental health diagnosis. Supports include assistance with self-care, daily living and leisure skills development. In addition, assistance is provided to establish emotion regulation for behavioral challenges using person-centered and trauma-informed care approaches.
- Farm House
The Farm House is a licensed therapeutic residence designed to support adults to transition to less restrictive living arrangements within 1-3 years. This 24-hour staffed residence serves individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders and most often a co-occurring mental health diagnosis. Supports include assistance with self-care, daily living and leisure skills development. In addition, assistance is provided to establish emotion regulation for behavioral challenges using person-centered and trauma-informed care approaches.
Shared Living Providers
The Shared Living Provider Program is a residential program that allows adults with intellectual disabilities to live with a person, or people, in a roommate situation to make sure that their needs are met. Shared living situations offer flexible support that respects an individual’s choice, relationships, and their community interests.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please visit the Shared Living Providers page.
Safety Connection
The Safety Connection program helps people with intellectual disabilities or autism live independently in the community setting of their choice. The program assists youth in transition, single adults, families, and elders who wish to age in place. Safety Connection works with clients and their support teams which may include Howard Center staff and community partners. This program offers the least intrusive community living support offered by Howard Center, and special technology helps clients connect to trained clinicians when needed.
Safety Connection offers different levels of support based on individual need and preference. The use of home security technology, call buttons, and supervised smoke detection provide immediate access to an experienced Safety Connection Operator between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Transitional Living Support
Avenue 7
Avenue 7 offers transitional housing for 18-28 year-olds with an intellectual disability or autism, and who receive home and community-based services. The supportive residential community helps individuals gain the skills they need to live independently. Staff are available through the day to support skill building. The program is a partnership with the Burlington Housing Authority, and each person living at Avenue 7 leases their individual residence with the support of a Section 8 housing voucher.
For more information, call or 802-488-6000.
SUCCEED Program
For young adults in our SUCCEED Program, we provide several housing opportunities. SUCCEED’s two houses, Isham and North Union, offer a post-secondary education and independent living program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Program staff provide daytime and evening support to help students gain independent living skills. Residential advisors are available overnight should any support needs arise. When students graduate, they may choose to live independently within the community with continued support from Howard Center’s Safety Connection Program.