Supported Living

Currently, Washington State has over 120 supportive living providers supporting over 4,000 people with developmental disabilities. Individuals in these programs receive individual training and support ranging from a few hours per week to 24 hours per day.

Median entry level wage for direct support professionals is $15.00 per hour in King County.
Median entry level wage for direct support professional is $11.15 per hour outside of King County

There is no education, training or certification required for these providers. There's also significant turnover in the workforce.

There's a growing population of aging parents of adults on the spectrum with high support needs. Only a handful of nonprofit organizations offer group homes for those with IDD, only 1 specializes in autism (Sunridge Ranch) statewide. In addition there is one Resident Advisor model is under construction (Thrive Housing) in North Seattle.

Nationwide there's been growth and development of intentional communities and housing options. Best practices models nationwide include:

First Place - AZ
Balance Autism - IA
Amego - FL
Melmark, Inc. - NE, PA, Carolinas
29 Acres - TX

What all these models had in common:

Combined therapeutic, recreation and vocational services onsite
Community Based
With the exception of First Place, all combine multiple funding streams to make it accessible to all socioeconomic backgrounds

Learn more about ways you can get involved.