At our most recent Community Lunch Hour, neighbors and friends gathered to discuss a project that promises to create housing opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Central Wisconsin. A local nonprofit, Door2Dreams, is driven to establish housing that honors independence, choice, and connection for those too often left out of the conversation.
Leading this effort are parents Karen Medo, Glen Magyera, and Mark Peterson, who understand the challenges of finding housing for adults with IDD. Along with an 11-member board and support from local organizations, volunteers, and donors, this group is designing a housing community to empower adults with IDD.
“Our daughter, Hannah, has Down syndrome. What’s currently available doesn’t offer much choice for her or her friends. They want to make their own decisions—about plans, meals, and social lives—and we want more opportunities for them to make their choices.”
Karen Medo, Board of Directors President
The Vision: Choice and Independence. Door2Dreams is creating an inclusive community for adults with IDD, offering both tiny homes and townhomes to buy and apartments to rent. Apartments will be priced at 30% of residents’ income to keep them affordable. At the center of the community, the Gathering Lodge will host social events, life skills classes, and community activities.
Why It Matters. Currently, over 60% of adults with IDD live with parents, a sizeable portion of parents who are seniors, creating uncertainty about their futures. Glen Magyera noted, “The need for inclusive, independent living spaces is a crisis throughout the United States and is very difficult in Wisconsin. Our idea is to create a good housing program that values independent and inclusive living.”
Research confirms that independent living enhances the quality of living for individuals with IDD. By locating the Door2Dreams village within walking distance of the bus line, grocery stores, employment opportunities, and organizations like Pacelli, SPASH, UWSP, CREATE Portage County, and Farmshed, the project also prioritizes community integration.
Phase 1: Building the Foundation. The project’s first phase focuses on constructing the Gathering Lodge and preparing the outdoor spaces. Fundraising efforts are underway to meet this critical phase’s $2 million goal.
Capital campaign consultant Rikki Harry shares, “The Gathering Lodge is a space designed for the IDD community with universal design principles for accessibility.”
Image: Concept plan shows the layout for housing and the Gathering Lodge from Doors2Dreams.
How You Can Help. This ambitious project relies on the generosity and involvement of the community. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- WATCH the full Community Lunch Hour video with Door2Dreams.
- GIVE to the Door2Dreams fund.
- VOLUNTEER your time on the fundraising or marketing committee to support this transformative project.
- SHARE this story with your networks to help spread the word.
- CONNECT with the Door2Dreams team to explore naming opportunities or other ways to contribute.
With your help, we can ensure that every individual in our community has a place to call home—a place where they can dream, thrive, and live with dignity.