OUR OWN HOUSE is sharing the story of Benjamin — a story that reflects the reality many young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face when trying to find long-lasting, safe, and supportive housing. The challenge is not unique to Peterborough...it is a country-wide shortfall.

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Benjamin, living with his family in a small village outside of Peterborough, was diagnosed with autism at a young age. His many talents include art and an incredible gift for music. His drum teacher, Justin Spencer of Recycled Percussion, performed with Ben at his elementary school. Ben also loved performing on stage with Jason Lambert’s drama class at ConVal.

After graduating at age 21, Ben deeply missed the social opportunities school provided. The systems that once helped coach and support his social development were no longer available, yet his desire for connection and independence remained strong. Ben wanted to live in Peterborough — where there were more people, more activities and more opportunities to be part of a community.

His parents believed it was a good plan to help him find an apartment with support in downtown Peterborough but over the next decade, Ben was forced to move three times.

Ben’s parents took him shopping for his first apartment, which was owned by a local church. He moved in with a young man he knew from school who understood his needs. Ben celebrated with a housewarming party attended by former teachers, members of his support team and friends from Conval. It was a dream come true.

Ben rode his bike around town, went to Nonie’s restaurant every Sunday morning, was welcomed at Roy’s Market, the Toadstool Bookstore, and church suppers. His artwork was displayed at Aesop’s Tables and The River Center and sold at the Broke Art Fair. In 2013 the Ledger featured Ben on the front page with photographs in an article titled “Portrait of Independence” (see link at bottom of page) .

A new tenant moved into the first floor apartment. She expressed discomfort upon learning a young man with disabilities lived in the third floor apartment. She expressed fears and concerns about her safety and fire risks. She and Ben never met. There was a minor incident involving water leaking into the second floor apartment from a shower in Ben’s apartment. A member of the church committee entered Ben’s apartment while no one was there and saw some of Ben’s artwork scotchtaped to his bedroom walls. That was enough for the committee to ask Ben to leave. He moved back to his parents’ home.

The next opportunity in Peterborough was a second floor apartment above a family who helped support Ben. It was a wonderful arrangement. As the family’s children grew older however, they needed the upstairs space for themselves. Once again, Ben had to move back home. At this point, Ben was 28 years old.

The next Peterborough opportunity was living with a woman known to the family, and for a time it worked well — until she relocated to California. Over a decade, Ben was forced to move three different times. Each move brought frustration, sadness, confusion, anger and a painful sense of failure.

The need for permanent housing for adults with disabilities must be addressed. Safety, support, respect, stability, and a true sense of belonging are basic human needs — regardless of ability.

OUR OWN HOUSE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to help address this urgent need in Hillsborough and Cheshire counties. With the utmost respect and commitment to doing what is right for individuals with IDD, we are working to create enduring, and supportive housing where people like Ben can truly have a place to call home – permanently.

We are asking for your help. Every donation moves us one step closer to creating safe, long-lasting, and inclusive housing for adults with IDD in our community. Together, we can ensure that individuals like Benjamin are not simply housed, but welcomed, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Please visit NH Gives at the following URL, NH Gives/Our Own House between June 9-10 5PM to 5PM to donate! All donations are greatly appreciated. To see the Ledger article about Benjamin, please click the following URL

Click-Here-For-Ledger-Article