Special Journey

Mission Independence (Tax ID No: 82-4350056) was organized by a group of families and friends who recognized the growing need for supportive residential options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

 

The Problem:

 

• There are over 21,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the Orange County.   

• More than 50% of the I/DD population in the Orange County are adults.  

• About 77% of the individuals with I/DD are still living at home with parents or family caregivers. 

• The median asking rent in the Orange County is $1,950, which is beyond the level of affordability of individuals with I/DD whose main source of income is Social Security.      

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“The aging of our society directly influences demand for intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services because of the number of people with I/DD residing with family caregivers.  As these caregivers age beyond their care-giving capacities, formal living arrangements must be established to support their relatives and families.”

 

Braddock, 1999