Families United for Independent Living referred to as FUFIL was formed in 1999 in Yamhill County, Oregon by a group of parents and interested community members with a mission “To promote affordable housing and supportive services for individuals with developmental disabilities.”

The need for safe affordable housing was documented by a number of focus meetings hosted by Yamhill County Developmental Disabilities Program. The options available did not meet the needs of families.

This fledgling organization met with more than 50 legislators to ensure awareness at the state level of this population and their need for safe affordable housing. Members of FUFIL shared the story of the individuals in their own families, as only the caregivers, parents or family members of a disabled person can. As a result of this education outreach, a coalition knows as the Workforce on Affordable Housing for adults with disabilities was formed in Oregon. Additionally, the Oregon Housing and Community Services has made affordable housing for people with disabilities a documented priority.

In 2000 FUFIL gathered enough funding through garage sales and by passing the hat to start development of Hendricks Place, an 8-unit rental housing project for developmentally disabled residents. By forging partnerships with various entries such as Yamhill County Housing Authority and Oregon Housing and community Services, the project was completed in July 2005. The complex was fully occupied by a competitive application process, which received more tenant applications than apartments available in the first hours. In fact the project has been so well received that it has been selected as a demonstration project by Oregon Housing and Community Services. FUFIL is mentoring other organizations with similar missions across the State.

In January 2006, FUFIL was awarded the only HUD 811 grant in Oregon, partially funding our next project, a 15-unit apartment complex to be built in Newberg, Oregon for adults with developmental disabilities.

FUFIL has grown beyond what a volunteer board can handle. To accomplish this next project and continue the momentum, at least one part-time paid staff person with knowledge of developing this type of housing is needed.

At a recent board retreat, FUFIL identified the following goals and timelines:
• Hire an executive director by September, 2006
• Complete 75 units of safe affordable housing in Yamhill County within the next three year.

Our apartments in McMinnville have been embraced by the community. The tenants are citizens of the community. They work, shop, and attend church. The public transportation system has committed to adding additional evening and weekend routes to accommodate their needs. The law enforcement agencies and fire department have provided special trainings for the tenants.

The City of Newberg has committed a community development loan in the amount of $225,000 to help with the purchase of the Newberg land. These units in Newberg will provide much needed housing for a population is among the neediest of the low-income in our State.

The State of Oregon, Department of Human Services, is working with FUFIL to better understand how assistive technology can be used to improve affordable housing service for people with disabilities and seniors. As a result, Hendricks Place housing project has been selected as a test site for various technologies that may be recommended for future, similar developments.

FUFIL has proved that this population can live independently and add value to their community. Washington Mutual has the opportunity to provide financial assistance to pioneers in the arena of safe, affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities. FUFIL is a very special non-profit with a very special mission; a mission that should be a showcase before it’s customer base and regulators. Washington Mutual will also have the first opportunity to provide financing on future affordable housing projects that FUFIL develops.

Families United for Independent Living  - McMinnville, Oregon

Hendricks Place is an 8-unit apartment complex in McMinnville that serves people with developmentally disabled.

The two-story structure in downtown McMinnville at 8th and Cowls Streets includes a shared community room. A community nonprofit organization, Families United for Independent Living, plans to oversee provision of resident services to the tenants who will make Hendricks Place their home.

Funding for the project was provided by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) in a combination of grants and loans. In supporting this project OHCS hopes to create a funding model that can replicated in other communities throughout Oregon.

The Hendricks Place is Complete!

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