About Us

Q:  What is CCHI? 

A:  CCHI stands for Collaborative Community Housing Initiative. We are a grassroots collective made up of families with adults with Disabilities and community members who desire a new kind of community — one that is inclusive and diverse. CCHI envisions communities where individuals of all abilities live collectively, each determining their own path to a meaningful life. It is not just housing, it represents inclusive opportunities in living, working, and socializing.

Q: Where is CCHI based?

A:  Our first building is in Highland Park, IL.  This community ensures members remain close to established family, friends and employment. 

Q: How big is the building?

A: Our current plan for our first building is designed to have 42 units.  In the future we foresee projects based on the land we are able to obtain.  We hope to offer Studio, One and Two Apartments and Townhomes in Highwood, Highland Park, Glenview and Northbrook.

Q:  Who will live in this community?

A:  Community members with disabilities from the North Shore.

Q:  What does this building look like?

A:  The pretty picture of a planned building is on our home page!  It is a multi unit building with community accessible spaces on the first floor.  This includes a reception desk, tv viewing area, work stations, and a space for hanging out and socializing.  Also included will be a professional kitchen, a  fitness room and green spaces to enjoy.   We hope to have a business/social enterprise on the first floor that serves the greater community. 

Q: What other things make this project special?

A:  Advanced technology is offered in the building and in every unit to help support day to day living.   Green spaces, LEED,  Universal Design will be sensitive to Sensory, Mobility, Sound and Aging in Place.

Q:  What do you mean by Advanced Technology?

A:  CCHI has investigated many different programs that offer intuitive technology options for all people to live a more supported life.  Examples of this are: sensors for doors and windows, in apartment video supports for medication reminders, cooking and laundry tutorials, cameras for hallway and doorway security, and virtual staff for daily connections and emergencies.  This is meant to supplement other supports as needed and desired by residents.

Q: Is there a staff on site to support people with special needs?

A:  We envision a full time Programming Manger who offers ongoing social opportunities for the entire community. This individual coordinates the relationships with outside peer organizations who help facilitate the engagement of all residents and greater community. Additionally there will be a full time property manager provided by the landlord.  Individual service providers will be hired by each resident based on need, and the partnership between CCHI and our developer will select an overseeing service provider for the building. 

Q: What kind of social opportunities will be offered?

A: Like most contemporary apartment environments, there will be weekly shared meals, movie nights, group discount offerings for local entertainment, pizza parties and celebrations for special occasions. 

Q: How much does this cost and who is paying for it?

A:  Services will be paid by the individual using their own funding for support service providers.  We are looking at rental and ownership opportunities for future buildings. 

Q:  Is there a waiting list to get into the building? 

A:  There is not a waiting list currently.  When our first building is close to opening, the developer will open up a waiting list.  This list will have criteria that helps to determine the residents.  

Q:  You mention  a "first" building, will there be others? 

A:  We hope so!!  We want to help create several communities!  Once the funding comes through for our first building, we will begin to focus on a second location.   We are evaluating different ownership models, financing and private partnerships in the meantime, to create new solutions for inclusive living. 

Q:  I am interested in having someone I know move in, what steps should I take? 

A:   Please become a member of CCHI!  We are creating solutions as a group.  We are community organizers, not landlords or developers.  If you know someone who will benefit from our work, please help us in building more communities.  Unfortunately, no one is helping families find these housing solutions.  Together we can work towards making it happen!