Independent Living Realities
We never say 'done', we only ask 'what’s next.'
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Our Mission
Independent Living Realities stands as a crucial 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization wholly devoted to transforming the aspirations of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into tangible realities.
Startling statistics from the CDC reveal that 23% of New Jersey’s adult population grapples with disabilities. A staggering $24.8 billion is annually directed towards disability healthcare in the state, constituting a substantial 33% of its total healthcare expenditure. Adding to the complexity, a significant majority of low-income renters in New Jersey find themselves burdened by housing costs, allocating over 30% of their income toward rent. This predicament is exacerbated by a glaring deficit of 274,283 affordable housing units, a shortfall that glaringly contrasts with the existing demand.
Regrettably, a recent analysis compounds the issue further by highlighting that 55.6% of New Jersey renters with disabilities bear the weight of cost-burdened housing. This alarming percentage ranks as the 10th highest in the nation. The challenges faced by individuals with disabilities are manifold, significantly heightening their susceptibility to housing unaffordability.
Against this backdrop, Independent Living Realities emerged in 2023 as a beacon of hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization solely focused on serving Sussex, Warren, and Morris counties in New Jersey.
