Four young autistic adults will move into their own residence when Eden Autism opens its newest group home this month.
Eden Autism celebrated the opening of its 33rd residence at an open house on June 27. The West Windsor house was developed in partnership with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), West Windsor Township, and Gregg Kiesel Interior Design.
“We are grateful to all of the organizations that provided funding and support that made opening this residence possible,” said Eden Autism President & CEO Michael Decker. “Their commitment enables us to carry out our mission to provide lifespan services for autistic individuals. As children with autism grow into young adults, it is vitally important that residential options which provide an excellent quality of life are available to them.”
This is Eden’s fourth residence in West Windsor. Four individuals will be moving into the home in July, with Eden staff providing 24/7 care.
Funding from the NJHMFA and other public sources made development of the house possible. “Eden Autism’s latest residential project offers stable housing and supportive services that will assist New Jersey residents with autism build successful, independent, fulfilled lives,” said NJHMFA Executive Director Melanie Walter. “The Special Needs Housing Trust Fund makes transformative projects, including this one, a reality.”
In addition to the NJHMFA funding, West Windsor Township contributed $100K from their Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and DDD funded the home’s fire suppression.
The home underwent a full renovation to ensure it would properly accommodate the needs of the residents. While renovations improved the structure, Eden’s staff partnered with Gregg Kiesel Interior Design to turn the house into a home. Gregg graciously donated his design services to ensure that the house feels cozy and welcoming for the new residents.
