Highland Park Nonprofit To Break Ground On $2.7M Co-Living Community For Disabled Adults

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A Highland Park nonprofit is set to break ground on a $2.7 million inclusive co-living community for disabled adults next week.

The Collaborative Community Housing Initiative, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to inclusive housing and community engagement for people with disabilities, will break ground on CCHI Commons at 1651 Richfield Ave. on July 18.

“We are thrilled to break ground on a space that reflects our values of independence, family involvement and connection,” Laurie Mansfield Williams, founder of CCHI, said. “CCHI Commons is more than just a building — it’s a community where residents can thrive on their own terms.”

Through its Keys to Connection capital campaign, CCHI is transforming the former memory care facility into 50 apartments. With accessibility and empowerment in mind, each unit is designed to give residents real choice in how they live and connect within the community.

There will be a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments, each featuring fully ADA-compliant bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility needs. Residents and their families will be able to choose who delivers support services, with options available through private funding, home-based support or Illinois’ I-CILA program.

“Our approach is rooted in choice and collaboration,” Williams said. “We work hand-in-hand with families and providers to create housing solutions that are as unique as the individuals who live in them.”

The nonprofit said it was inspired to act after noticing the critical shortage of services for adults with disabilities and their families as they transition to adult life.

For more information about the organization and the new co-living community, visit thecchi.org.