Blue Spruce exists to help address the growing problem with affordable and appropriate housing for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
A National and Local Problem

Growing Housing Challenge Across US

In the United States we have over 6,000,000 people that have been diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental disability ( I/DD).  These disabilities include people with Autism,  Asberger's Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy and Downs Syndrome. 

Colorado Perspective

In Colorado of the more than 100,000  people, 73% live with Caregivers and over 20% of those caregivers are over the age of 60!

Each person with I/DD has different capabilities and challenges.   Some of these people live a reasonably independent life and and can get to work and other activities on their own.   Unfortunately this is the minority.  The majority of people with I/DD have various needs and require daily assistance ranging from daily living, transportation, meal preparation, problem solving and pariticpating in social activities.

Current Housing Options

In Colorado, people with I/DD have three options for housing.  First a minority live in independent apartments that make it very difficult to particpate in the community due to transportation and social program access.  

Second, some live in host homes for up to three people and they are supported by a Host Home leader who is paid by the state.  While some of these work well, many have experienced frequent turnover and change for the people with I/DD making this a very challenging option.  

A new option such as the Grove at Cottonwood in Broomfield will offer individual apartments supported by a volunteer social program to help ensure the members are able to successfully participate in the community.