The market need that Eva Sophia Project is designed to address is substantial and increasing. There are far more adult residents of Minnesota with developmental disabilities (DD) than there are safe, supportive, and affordable residential settings - designed to accommodate their needs and wants throughout their lifespans.

There were 155,250 people with DD in the State of Minnesota, according to the Long-Term Supports and Services for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends Through Fiscal Year 2020. This report was published in 2024 by the Residential Information Systems Project (RISP) of the University of Minnesota. Of that 155,250 total, 34,673 were 18 years of age or older. And 61% percent of that total live with a family caregiver. Only 11% live in a home of their own. A concerning 24% of adults with DD in Minnesota are being supported by caregivers aged 60 and older as of fiscal year 2021, according to the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. This is a report produced by the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities. This demographic can be considered at-risk due to the fact the caregivers may soon need caregiving for themselves.

Eva Sophia Project’s residential setting plans to offer an attractive solution for adults with DD and families that is unique to the region. The for-sale model means Eva Sophia Project will not be completely dependent on fundraising to build and operate its residential setting, but in fact is designed to be financially self-sustaining once fully occupied.

The need of the population Eva Sophia Project plans to serve for this type of supportive housing continues to grow. There are far more adult residents of Minnesota who have developmental disabilities (DD) than safe, supportive, and affordable residential settings designed to accommodate their needs and wants throughout their lifespan. Of the 132,216 people who have DD in the State of Minnesota, 24 percent live with caregivers aged 60 or older who themselves may need supportive settings in the next decade. Gone are the days when individuals who have DD had to live with family most of their lives. They want more out of life and to grow to be independent.

Eva Sophia Project plans to address the need for safe, supportive, and affordable residences for adults with developmental disabilities (DD) around the Waconia, Minnesota area with a sustainable mixed-use intentional community model. The model can be replicated across the state of Minnesota. It will incorporate best practices for living environments for adults with DD who have a range of abilities and disabilities that have been pioneered by other intentional communities for adults with DD in Minnesota and across the U.S.

The replicable and sustainable mixed-use model includes a for-sale residence structure which will provide permanence to families and adults who have DD. At the same time, the for-sale model enables a capitalization approach that results in the community getting built and becoming operationally debt-free faster. The setting size for up to 100 adults is large enough to generate revenues to support its operational funding needs, but small enough to be located near day programs, employment, retail, dining, services, medical, and recreational options. The for-sale model is relatively new to the market for supportive housing for adults who have DD. It first appeared in April 2017 at Luna Azul in North Phoenix, Arizona, but several projects in development in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Texas, and Wisconsin have adopted and are being developed with that model.

Eva Sophia Project will be an innovative, replicable, self-sustainable model that can be deployed across the State of Minnesota and nationally. Individuals, foundations, and corporations interested in our vision and model have an opportunity to help us bring a compelling solution to market in the next few years.

The Project believes the planned residential model, scope of programming, and inclusion of all community members with developmental disabilities (DD) sets Eva Sophia community apart from other organizations in Minnesota. The Project is one of the first communities in Minnesota to develop for-sale housing as well as rental housing for adults with DD. Home ownership is the American Dream and our for-sale cottage-style homes will provide permanence for adults with DD and their families. It also will create a vehicle to build equity and financial security for adults with DD after their families are no longer around.

Eva Sophia Project is designed to produce a social impact locally and nationally in several measurable and meaningful ways. The Project directly addresses one of the most significant barriers facing adults with DD in becoming full members of society. The Project plans to make permanent, safe, and supportive housing available and affordable to adults whose primary sources of income are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.

Yes, fully adaptable kitchens are part of the plan for every residence based on the abilities of the residents. Some may be very capable with range tops, ovens, and microwaves. For those who aren’t capable or are still developing the skills to operate them safely, modular counter/cabinet units are planned to be substituted in place of the range/oven.

Each home should be equiped with a washer/dryer, full-size refrigerator, range/oven, microwave, water heater, and HVAC system. Residents may bring a toaster, toaster/oven, coffee maker, blender, and other similar countertop appliances

Each bedroom is planned to have its own private bathroom.

The vision is to promote independent living as much as possible. Families are encouraged to plan for their sons and daughters to live separately from them. Because the Eva Sophia Project is planned as a neurodiverse community, the opportunity exists for some families purchasing a home for their adult child and another for themselves in the community. The plan is to counsel families to understand that the sooner they begin preparing their adult children to live without the support of their parents, the better prepared they will be when the inevitable day comes that the parents are no longer around.

It is expected that there will be some form of communal dining, but options and plans are still being evaluated with self-advocates and their families. More information will be disclosed as it becomes available.

The Eva Sophia Project was inspired by two young adult women - Eva and Sophia - who met in the fifth grade and have grown closer every year since, sharing their mutual love for hiking, kayaking, photography, Special Olympics, and being their best selves together. They also share intellectual and developmental disabilities and a desire to live in a safe, supportive neighborhood they can call their own with other adults with and without disabilities.

Adults with developmental disabilities (DD) are involved and included in the planning, building, and management of our project. They are telling Eva Sophia Project what they want to be built and how to manage it. The project has been conducting focus groups and feasibility sessions with families and will also be forming a Resident Advisory Council. As the project matures, the plan is to add a few self-advocates and/or full voting member spots on our board of directors.

An evidence-based admissions process is part of the planned design to determine who the Eva Sophia Project believes can be successful in the community.

The Project believes adults or individuals ages 18 and older with developmental disabilities (DD) who meet the requirements of the evidence-based admissions process will live successfully in this pocket community. Use of this process is planned to determine who we believe can be successful in our residences. The expectation is there can be a range of abilities, support needs, and mobilities. Even though an adult with DD may not be able to live independently, they could still be a fit with The Project's residential setting. Residents will need to be able to communicate their wants and needs whether verbal, nonverbal, or through assistive or augmentative communications (AAC) devices. Residents and their families will be required to demonstrate that they have a sustained ability to pay for housing, programs and community fees (as applicable), and utilities - and have in place the necessary supports.

Because the first priority is safety, The Project does not believe that adults with DD whose behaviors make them an unmanageable risk to the safety and security of themselves, other residents, staff, guests, or property will be able to live successfully in the community. The Project does not plan to be a skilled nursing or long-term care facility. Individuals with DD who are medically fragile or require periodic skilled nursing may be able to live successfully in the community, though this will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

There is a prevalence among adults with DD to suffer from isolation and loneliness, lack of friendships outside of paid caregivers, food and housing insecurity, and lack of access to appropriate health and mental health resources. This is often acute and difficult to solve. Eva Sophia Project is designed as an intentional community designed to be permanent, safe, supportive, and affordable. But more than that, the plan is a community in which up to 100 adults with and without developmental and intellectual disabilities can socialize, build friendships, share experiences, and support each other. Knowing that a friend is just a few doors away can encourage many to leave their residences to spend time with others. The staff and volunteers can help facilitate friendships, provide opportunities out in the community, and organize community activities for residents and their guests as well as families and volunteers.

Eva Sophia Project is planned as a neurodiverse setting for up to 100 adults both with and without developmental disabilities. The Project is designed with a goal of no less than 80% of the residents as adults with DD.

Yes, The Project plans to allow a legally married couple to live at Eva Sophia Project.

Yes. The plan includes resident choice to have companion animal pets.

The plan is to allow for one person per bedroom. A legally married couple would be allowed to share a bedroom.

Eva Sophia Project should have a list of names of Applicants who have expressed a desire to rent and have been approved through the Admissions process. It will be the responsibility of the Resident and Resident’s family to choose the renter. Neither the State of Minnesota or the Eva Sophia Project will be able to “place” anyone in your home.

Residents can choose to live their entire lives in this community assuming that they remain financially, physically, and cognitively able to do so with appropriate supports.

This is yet to be determined, if applicable.

The community is intended for adults, but The Project plans to evaluate these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, if the adult with an intellectual or developmental disability is accepted through the admissions process and has the supports and services in place to be able to live there successfully.

No, the Project plans to consider Applicants and their families on a first-come basis. Any potential resident may be better prepared if they already have waiver funding from the state.

A Resident Code of Conduct is planned to provide guidelines for appropriate conduct around other residents, staff, and visitors. If a Resident demonstrates behavior that presents an unmanageable risk to other residents, staff, and visitors, or to property that cannot be resolved, Eva Sophia Project may initiate a process for moving the Resident out of the community. Having a thorough Admissions process can help provide the opportunity for all Residents to live successfully in the community.

No. Smoking is not planned to be allowed within the community.

Every 501(c)(3) nonprofit recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the IRS is required to have a dissolution clause in its Bylaws that states that the organization would dissolve and transfer its assets to one or more 501(c)(3) nonprofits with similar missions. The conditions of that transfer likely would include continuing to operate Eva Sophia Project for its intended purpose.

That information is not available at this time. The goal is to make living in the community affordable to a wide range of adults and their families.

The plan does not include residences being sold on the open market. It is planned instead to be a closed resale market. The Project would buy a residence back at a market-rate price basis stated in the original sales contract. It is desired that families have the opportunity get their original purchase amount and not be penalized for trying an option for their sons or daughters like the Eva Sophia Project community.

The plan that most of the community residences will be for-sale homes. The Project may reserve a few of homes to be leased for adults to occupy on a transitional basis to determine if the Eva Sophia Project is a setting where they can be successful. Up to 12 available apartments are also planned above the community center.

The Eva Sophia Project planned is to build with a combination of for-sale home proceeds, donations, grants, and in-kind contributions.

That information is not available at this time. Disclosure is planned at a later date.

That information is not available at this time. Disclosure planned at a later date.

It is the current plan for adult residents with DD to use their Waiver to pay for supports and services so they can live as independently as possible at Eva Sophia Project. This plan is subject to working successfully with the Department of Human Services (DHS).

The expectation is for families to purchase the homes for their sons and daughters. Adult residents with DD will utilize Minnesota waiver funding or private pay to fund their daily support and services. They will utilize SSI or SSDI to pay for their daily living expenses such as utilities, entertainment, clothing, and sundries. We expect many also will utilize SNAP (food stamps) to pay for some of their food costs.

The Eva Sophia Project is aware that many families are overwhelmed trying to navigate local, state, and federal systems that benefit their loved ones. The Project plans to organize and present informational workshops in-person or online (or hybrid) initially on a quarterly basis. The content may developed by The Project or utilize community partners. Some of the topics include: · Governmental Benefits Planning · Guardianship and Less Restrictive Alternatives · SSI/SSDI and SNAP · Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts · Waivers

Generally speaking, the families would need to each contribute to the purchase with cash. Lenders typically will not offer a split or fractional mortgage. The Project strongly encourages families considering such an option to structure the deal with the benefit of legal and tax guidance counsel.

Yes, this is planned. A community typically includes a monthly fee for common area expenses. Families that purchase homes from Eva Sophia Project would be purchasing the interiors of their homes. Eva Sophia Project plans to retain ownership of the exteriors and common areas. The Community Fee would be billed monthly to pay for the Community Managers, maintenance, utilities, property taxes on the common areas, insurance, etc.

This option is being investigated. However, it would be the responsibility of the renter and renter’s family to work with the Housing Choice Voucher authority to obtain the voucher and it would be at the discretion of the renting party to accept the voucher.

Eva Sophia Project is envisioned as a safe, supportive, and affordable residential community in Waconia, Minnesota for up to 100 adults with and without DD. The Project is designed for a goal of no less than 80% of the residents to be adults with DD. Adults with DD and residents who live there by their own choice can advise the community’s design and management and may serve on the Resident Advisory Council to help guide operations. The Eva Sophia Project plan is to develop neighborhood comprised of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom for-sale cottage-style homes built as independent dwellings, and an additional 10-12 apartments for rent above the community center. The community center would be for programs, clubs, socializing, communal dining; activity areas, and spaces to be used for local Special Olympics teams - such as a basketball court; greenspaces for horticulture; and a variety of amenities that facilitate friendships and well-being.

Eva Sophia Project is planned as a community where residents can feel confident they are safe and have the support they need to live the inclusive and independent lives they desire on their own terms. Based on research and best practices in communities around the country individuals with DD thrive in settings that optimize their individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices. The model facilitates individual choice regarding services and supports. Residents will choose and self-direct the people who will provide their daily living support paid through their waiver funding or private pay. Resident support with their opportunities to seek employment, engage in community life, control personal resources, and choose their daily schedules is part of the plan. Eva Sophia Project’s staff model is also designed to encourage friendships and socialization, help to organize activities, and help to ensure a safe and well-maintained setting.

Minor modifications may be permitted without Eva Sophia Project review. Major modifications should require at least a review in advance by Eva Sophia Project. The Project plans to prepare a list of types of modifications that fall into each category with the understanding that Eva Sophia Project will be the final authority on major modifications.

Homeowners are responsible for handling repairs inside their homes. Eva Sophia Project plans to provide Residents with lists of companies in the area that do a range of repairs. Eva Sophia Project also plans to counsel families and Residents to plan for how to pay for repairs including home warranties and insurance. For the rental units, standard maintenance and repairs are planned.

Residents with their own direct support professionals can be transported in those people’s vehicles to get around the community. Some members of the community may be able to drive as well. Eva Sophia Project may provide some additional transportation, but that has not yet been determined.

These future offerings are in the planning stage.

The Resident, the Resident’s family, and the Resident’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff will be responsible for ensuring their unit is properly maintained.

The plan is to be completely unfurnished, except for the kitchen to be equipped with a refrigerator, range/oven, microwave, and dishwasher. A washer/dryer is also planned for each home.

A washer/dryer is planned within each home.

The Community Center plan includes: Basketball Court with a track that goes around it, with lines for a pickleball court Communal dining Conference for family, provider, or other meeting Class/craft rooms Game room - Ping pong, foosball, and possible pool table Music clubs/room - bongo club, ukulele, etc. Other activity spaces to be determined for outside include saltwater exercise/therapy pool, garden area, grilling, butterfly garden

The expectation is that the common spaces will be open during normal business hours daily.

No. The project does not plan to be a residential setting licensed by MN DHS.

No. The project does not plan to be a provider of services through DHS.

The opening date will depend on a variety of factors, including finding the right land, obtaining the necessary zoning approvals, fundraising, and availability of construction materials and labor. The vision is to begin moving into the Community sometime in 2028.

The plan is to build in Waconia, Minnesota. Land has not yet been secured.