A-Team Delaware, a grassroots nonprofit of parents, self-advocates, caregivers and providers, thanks Judson Malone of Springboard Delaware and Stephen Metraux of the University of Delaware for their Opinion, “Systems aren’t built to solve homelessness.”
Though frequently left out of the discussion, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at a heightened risk for poor health and social outcomes, including homelessness. These lifelong conditions — such as autism, learning disabilities and Down syndrome — affect individuals across all communities. Yet Delaware lacks a definitive count of the number of adults with IDD in the state. Current estimates suggest between 17,000 and 24,000 individuals, with roughly 75% living with aging caregivers who may not have plans for future care.
Without intentional planning and investment, too many Delawareans with IDD risk falling into crisis — facing institutionalization or homelessness instead of supported, community-based living.
We stand with the authors in urging state and local leaders to make sustained investments in homelessness services. We also join Springboard Delaware, Housing Alliance Delaware, Family Promise and others in calling for an additional $5 million in the state budget to address unsheltered homelessness.
The time to act is now.
Pat Swanson
Vice president, A-Team Delaware
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
