Founders' Forum Building Neuro-Inclusive Communities Where Everyone Belongs with Jim & Nancy Richardson
What happens when parents can't find safe, dignified housing for their adult child with autism? They build it themselves—and create a blueprint for communities nationwide.
Jim and Nancy Richardson are changing the future of neuro-inclusive housing in America. As parents of a 31-year-old son with autism, they faced a heartbreaking reality: no housing options existed that would keep Michael safe, independent, and connected after they're gone. Instead of accepting this gap, they founded Front Porch Cohousing, a nonprofit creating intentional communities where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live alongside neurotypical neighbors as homeowners. Their first 50-home development in Hilltown Township, Pennsylvania, features innovative front-porch-focused design that fosters genuine community connection and combats the loneliness many adults with disabilities face.
Key Takeaways:
- Ownership model breakthrough: Unlike other disability housing, Front Porch Co-housing enables residents to own their homes, building equity they can leverage throughout their lives
- 50/50 community design: Half the homes are deed-restricted for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities; the other half are market-rate units for neurotypical residents
- Reverse-engineered neighborhoods: Traffic flows around the perimeter while homes face inward with front porches, intentionally designed to bring neighbors together
- 258 families and counting: The need is massive, with hundreds of families across the region seeking dignified housing solutions
- Scalable vision: This isn't a one-time project—the Richardsons plan multiple communities to address a nationwide crisis
About Jim and Nancy Richardson:
Jim and Nancy Richardson, Co-Founders of Front Porch Cohousing — and parents of a 31-year-old son with developmental differences — know the struggles families face around lifelong housing. Their mission: build neuroinclusive communities where belonging, dignity, and independence are the standard.
Connect with Jim and Nancy:
Website frontporchcohousing.org
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/frontporchcohousing/, linkedin.com/in/frontporchcohousing/
This episode is brought to you by Front Porch Cohousing; Building neuro-inclusive communities where belonging, dignity, and independence are the standard. Go to frontporchcohousing.org to learn more.
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