Town Hall Transformation - Paving the Path to Independence
In New York State, thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face an agonizing wait for a place they can truly call home. This is the reality that In Flight, Inc. is dedicated to changing. By spearheading the "Town Hall" Transformation project, we're not just creating a building - we're building lives, futures, and a community of support for those who need it most.
With a staggering waitlist reported by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and advocacy groups, the need for emergency and long-term residential placement is more critical than ever.
What is Placement and How is it Classified?
OPWDD assesses individual and caregiver circumstances to determine the needed level of residential support. When a family or caregiver is ready to pursue support, OPWDD’s Residential Support team reviews the referral from a care manager or other source and assigns the appropriate category.
- Emergency Need: The person is homeless or facing immediate risk to health and safety. The person has an incapacitated caregiver with no alternative support. Or, the person is being discharged from a hospital, facility, or temporary setting like a shelter.
- Substantial Need: The person is at rising risk of losing stable housing as their caregivers struggle to meet their growing needs. Also, if they are posing an increased risk to their own health and safety or that of others.
- Individuals Living in Other Settings: The person has reached the age of 21 and requires residential placement due to transitioning from a residential school, developmental center, or skilled nursing facility.
- Current Need: The person has a current need for residential placement, is actively seeking it, but the situation is not classified as urgent or substantial.
The Wait List is Only Growing
As of June 2022, OPWDD's community residence opportunities waitlist reported 1,080 individuals in need of emergency residential placement. Additionally, they reported 2,249 individuals in substantial need of placement. However, advocates suggest these numbers are conservative, with thousands more potentially waiting for appropriate housing solutions. The average wait time for residential placement in New York is a staggering seven years, with some individuals waiting even longer for a community residence.
Over the last six years, the number of children receiving services increased by 7,000. That is 7,000 more people who will, at some point in their life, need a place to call home. Anyone, no matter their age, can go from "Current Need" placement to "Emergency Need" due to circumstances beyond their control.
As of now, there are no plans of opening any new state-run residential programs in the entirety of New York State. In response, In Flight is taking the charge. In Flight's Town Hall transformation project is just the beginning in our four year long commitment to create a place for many to call home.
In Flight's Solution
Town Hall Transformation project is In Flight's solution to this challenge. This project aims to create a state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility in Greenport, New York, that will not only meet the immediate residential needs of individuals with I/DD but also foster a sense of community and belonging.
This new facility aims to fill the gap by creating an 8-bed, fully accessible home. With private bathrooms, a full kitchen, recreational spaces, and accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps and accessible showers, we can ensure that all residents can navigate their living environment with ease.
More than Just a House
The transformation of the Town Hall into a residential facility represents a significant step forward in providing community-based care. With a holistic approach, In Flight will ensure that residents are not only supported in their daily lives but also empowered to become active members of the Greenport community. The facility will provide a nurturing environment where individuals with I/DD, including those who are medically compromised, can thrive and gain independence. By integrating skilled professionals into the residential setting, In Flight aims to provide both care and enrichment, encouraging empowerment and long-term success for each resident.
Town Hall's transformation is more than just a construction project; it is a commitment to building lives and futures. By supporting this initiative, In Flight is addressing the urgent need for residential placements and reducing wait times for individuals in need of housing. With the support of the community and donors, In Flight will create a facility that not only meets the immediate needs of its residents but also strengthens the fabric of the community, empowering individuals to live with dignity and purpose.
Be a Part of the Solution - Pave the Path to Independence
Pave the path to independence and leave a lasting legacy at In Flight's Town Hall. As we transform Town Hall your contribution will be a permanent part of our journey to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- $100 Donation - a personalized, engraved garden stone to be added to our garden at Town Hall
- $250 Donation - a 4x8 personalized, engraved brick along our "Path to Independence"
- $500 Donation - a 8x8 personalized, engraved brick along our "Path to Independence"
- $1,000 Donation - a 12x12 personalized, engraved brick along our "Path to Independence"
These bricks will form a beautiful pathway, symbolizing the steps we take together toward independence. They are customizable so you have the chance to honor a loved one, showcase an accomplishment, or just kind messages to our future residents. Moreover, your generosity etches itself into the heart of our community, building a foundation for future growth and independence.
For those looking for a larger impact, additional naming rights are available. Please contact In Flight's Director of Development, Jill Rodriquez, at (845) 835-6060x190 for more information.
