Why our Adults with Disabilities Need Your Help
INCOME
Most individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) over the age of 18 receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the federal government of approximately $943 per month or $11,316 annually. The 2024 federal government guideline for poverty is $15,060. So, adults with I/DD are 25% below the poverty guideline when they rely solely on assistance from our government. Statistics show that people with disabilities, including people with I/DD, experience poverty at TWICE the rate of people who do not have disabilities.
Some I/DD adults are capable of working. However, once their earnings reach $85 each month they begin to lose a portion of the SSI that they receive. For every $1 earned above the $85 a month, they receive a 50 cent reduction in their SSI. This almost de-incentivizes them to work.
Each I/DD adult can also receive up to $261 per month in food assistance, a Bridge Card, to purchase food.
| Rent | $1120 |
| Utilities – Gas/ Electric | $75 |
| Phone | $60 |
| Cable/Wifi/Insurance (renter’s, copays) | $100 |
| Transportation Uber/Taxi/Bus | $450 |
| Food | $475 |
| Clothing/ House Hold Items | $200 |
| Misc/Social/Community | $200 |
| Total | $2,700 |
Receiving $11,316 per year, plus another $3,132 per year in Bridge Card benefits, leaves them with a total of $14,448. Conservatively, it would take $32,400 to just barely get by, leaving each I/DD adult short $17,952. If this figure is then multiplied by the 45 individuals living in our proposed intentional community, it leaves a shortfall of over $807,840 for this vulnerable population.
They really need your help.
This is just one of the many reasons your donations are so important. Your donations will give these I/DD adults the ability to live a safe and independent life.