Natlus Group Home builds integrated, supportive housing where young adults with and without mild intellectual challenges live side by side — building independence, life skills, and real community, on their own terms.
A home is where independence begins. We establish and operate integrated housing for young adults ages 17–22 — regardless of ability — because dignity isn't something you earn. It's the starting point.
Many young people age out of foster care, transition from special education services, or simply need a steady bridge into adulthood — without ever having access to stable housing or a mentor who believes in their independence. This is especially true for young adults with mild intellectual or developmental challenges, who often lose services the moment they turn 18 or 22.
Our model creates housing communities where young adults — with and without disabilities — live together, support one another, and grow toward independence side by side.
These aren't abstract statistics. They're the exact gap this program exists to close.
Young adults ages 18–25 experience some form of homelessness in any given year.
Source: Chapin Hall, Voices of Youth CountOf youth who age out of foster care experience homelessness within a few years of leaving the system.
Source: Chapin Hall, Midwest Evaluation of Former Foster YouthOf former foster youth are unemployed by age 26 — often earning less than peers even when employed.
Source: Chapin Hall research, via BreaktimeOf U.S. adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities hold a job in the open labor market.
Source: Urban Institute, WorkRise NetworkOne protective factor stands out in the research: young people who had a high school diploma or GED and were in school or employed at age 21 were significantly less likely to experience homelessness — the exact combination of stability and skills this program is built to provide.
Sources: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, "Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America" (Voices of Youth Count) and the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth; Urban Institute WorkRise Network, "The Key to Positive Employment Outcomes for Adults with Developmental Disabilities"; National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD), via Youth.gov. Figures vary across studies and states — cited here as directional context, not precise counts for any single jurisdiction.
Housing, life skills, and community aren't separate services here — they're one home, built around the person living in it.
Small group homes and shared apartment-style units with support that scales to what each household actually needs.
Coaching scaled to the individual — budgeting to job coaching — so residents practice the life they're building.
Homes are integrated by design — mixed-ability living builds mutual mentorship instead of isolation.
Support is only ever as intensive as it needs to be — and it's reassessed regularly as each resident grows.
A person-centered plan is built together with the resident, from day one.
Daily coaching and on-site staff for residents who need more support early on.
Residents take on more responsibility as skills and confidence build.
Residents move on to their own place — with an ongoing community to return to.
Staff support and facilitate. They don't dictate. These values shape every decision in every house.
Every resident is treated as a capable adult, not a case to be managed.
Residents direct their own goals, routines, and pace of growth.
Ability is not a dividing line. Homes are integrated by design.
Support plans are person-centered, never one-size-fits-all.
Support is only as intensive as needed, and regularly reassessed.
Residents help set house rules, activities, and their own service plans.
Residential support staff bring backgrounds in social work, developmental disabilities, and youth development — trained in trauma-informed care and person-centered planning.
We measure success the way residents experience it — not just on paper.
Every gift goes straight into the houses — groceries, move-in essentials, life-skills workshops, and staff who show up every day.
$50 — Covers a week of groceries for one full house.
Donate Securely →Natlus Group Home is a nonprofit organization. Confirm your 501(c)(3) status and EIN before publishing this page so we can display accurate tax-deductibility information for donors.
Homes don't run on good intentions alone. Here's where support is needed most.
Mentor a resident, lead a life-skills workshop, or help with house events.
Fund a bedroom, a month of groceries, or a resident's first job interview outfit.
Know someone ages 17–22 who needs stable housing? Start a referral.
Employers and landlords — help residents find jobs and homes of their own.
Reach out about referrals, volunteering, partnerships, or general questions — a real person reads every message.