Hope Homes to upgrade Wooster group homes with help from community foundation grant

Hope Homes Foundation announced enhancements to its group homes in Wooster, funded by a grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation.

“Home is such a special place for everyone including those with disabilities,” said Joan Davidson, CEO of Hope Homes. “It’s where we feel most comfortable and secure. It’s a place that should be adapted to meet individual needs and provide a sense of independence.”

Hope Homes partners with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and receives grants for renovations to ensure ADA compliance. These funds do not cover maintenance costs due to normal wear and tear. To prevent passing these rising costs on to residents who live on fixed incomes and to keep monthly rents as affordable as possible, they rely on the generosity of philanthropic partners.

With the support of the Wayne County Community Foundation, Hope Homes will improve its properties beyond ADA accessibility including a four-season room to connect with nature and smart home technologies and appliances.

Founded in 1963, Hope Homes owns and manages 30 properties for people with developmental disabilities in Summit, Stark and Wayne counties. Twenty-nine of these function as family-style group homes. They also oversee the Hope Center, which offers day services and community-based programs.