Everyone deserves a place to call home, and a community where they truly belong.
Sisters Opportunities for Unified Living: S.O.U.L.
We are a grassroots nonprofit based in Sisters, Oregon with the goal of providing a stable foundation for independent living and full inclusion for Sisters citizens with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Our mission is to develop and maintain affordable, long-term, independent housing for adults with IDD in Sisters, Oregon. Through this work, we aim to promote full community inclusion and foster a lasting sense of belonging for neurodivergent individuals.
After many years of planning and analysis, S.O.U.L .is ready to move into the next phase of our project.
S.O.U.L. is registered as a non-profit organization with the State of Oregon, and a registered 501(c)(3)
Our plan:
To build and maintain studio apartments for 12-16 adults with IDD within walking distance to amenities in Sisters. There will be a community room with gathering space indoors & out and a shared kitchen & laundry. The combination of privacy and shared space will provide an ideal balance of connection and independence.
S.O.U.L. will provide housing only, not supports for daily living. Any ADL or IADL, if needed, will be arranged by the individuals.
A place to connect…
and do laundry
Each apartment unit will have a full kitchen and space to hang out.
There will also be a shared community building with room to socialize & host gatherings, to cook & share meals - and of course, do laundry!
And we host Game (and Art) Nights!
Most months of the year we gather for fun games, craft & art projects plus pizza and other treats (including gluten free.) Join us! We meet at the Sisters Parks and Recreation building from 6pm-8pm the first Thursday of most months. The event is free, with a suggested $5 donation if you’d like pizza. Children under 16 are welcome with a responsible adult.
Enter your email below and we’ll send you a reminder.
We welcome helpers, too! Let us know below if you can lead a craft, help with set up/clean up, or pick up pizza.
Our Story
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Sisters Needs IDD Housing
Every year young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities graduate from Sisters High School. Currently there is no housing that allows these Sisters citizens to live independently, affordably and securely. An adult with IDD who wants access to appropriate housing must apply and wait for availability in Bend or Redmond, at the nearest. As Sisters continues to grow, accommodation for an expanding population must include housing for adults with IDD as well.
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It Began with an Idea
In 2018 a group of parents, teachers from the Sisters School District and young adults with IDD got together and started talking about what kind of housing we’d like to see for adults with IDD in Sisters. Countless meetings, field trips, consultations and conversations later, we had a grass roots non-profit and a plan. Now S.O.U.L. is moving to the next phase.
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Our Build
We have ironed out details on a practical, doable, sustainable housing plan that addresses the needs and dreams of a diverse group of adults with IDD. We are now seeking a half acre of land within walking distance to Sisters’ amenities, either earmarked or donated. Once we have a promise for a portion of land, we can access grants and begin raising funds for our project.
Our Board
Tina Mensing, Chair
Rebecca Smith, Vice Chair
Julia Huni, Secretary
Jennifer Heiden Smith, Treasurer
Cole Gonzales, Member at-large