empower BELONGING.
build COMMUNITY.
ourHOME builds interdependent communities for adults with diverse developmental differences by investing in social, housing and education opportunities to promote INDEPENDENCE, foster BELONGING, and honor the DIGNITY of each unique individual.
Welcome Home
This month marks a milestone that ourHOME has been working toward for years: the first residents have officially moved into ourHOME.
What began as a vision shared by families, supporters, volunteers, and community partners has now become a reality. After years of planning, fundraising, construction, and preparation, ourHOME is no longer just a dream for the future—it is a place where people are living, growing, and building community today.
WHY
Alabama has over 650,000 adults with cognitive disabilities
Approximately 44,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities are on waitlists for home and community-based services including housing support services
Demand for affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities in Alabama is projected to increase by more than 50% over the next 20 years
Nationwide over 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed
MODEL
PROGRESS
- Residents moved into our first home in Homewood
- Began teaching life skills to enable residents and members to live with dignity
- Built community buy-in for our efforts, reaching hearts with our story
- Established regular social gatherings to create community and belonging
BOARD
Josh Firth
PRESIDENT
Amanda Owens
MEMBER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Andrew Folmar
TREASURER
Mary Rose Sallese, Ph.D.
SECRETARY
Laura B. Fiveash, DrPH, RD
MEMBER
Hank Powers
MEMBER
GIVING
Monthly giving through the ourHOME Builders’ Circle provides steady support that helps ourHOME sustain our mission and commitment to adults with developmental differences. Every contribution—no matter the size—builds a stronger foundation of independence and belonging.
CONTACT
ourHOME
P.O. Box 590087
Birmingham, AL 35259
info@ourhomealabama.org