As we reach the midpoint of the year, I want to take a moment to thank our partners, supporters, staff, board members, and community advocates for your continued commitment to expanding inclusive housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
At North Coast Community Homes, we remain focused on advancing housing solutions that are safe, accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs and choices of the people we serve. That work requires strong partnerships, thoughtful advocacy, and a willingness to modernize the systems that support community-based living.
We were also pleased to begin the year with a successful Annual Meeting, which brought together friends, partners, and supporters of NCCH for an evening of connection, reflection, and inspiration. Our guest speaker, Monica Gustin, Executive Director of the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, shared insight into the tremendous opportunity ahead as Cleveland prepares to host this world-class event. Her remarks highlighted the power of inclusion, accessibility, and community pride — values that are deeply aligned with NCCH’s mission and our work every day. NCCH is proud to be an early sponsor of the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, and we are excited to see that spirit of inclusion continue to grow as our region prepares to welcome athletes, families, and supporters from across the country.
I had the pleasure of serving as part of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Housing Workgroup. This group has been focused on examining housing needs, challenges, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities across Ohio. The workgroup’s report is expected to be released at the end of June, and we look forward to reviewing its recommendations and continuing to support efforts that expand housing options and strengthen community-based living.
One important advocacy priority this year is House Bill 585, bipartisan legislation sponsored by State Representatives Mike Odioso and Crystal Lett. The bill has passed the Ohio House and has been introduced in the Senate. HB 585 would allow for additional and more flexible uses of Community Capital Assistance funds, a critical tool in helping county boards and housing partners create and preserve homes for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
HB 585 would also permit the Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to waive certain rules related to Community Capital Assistance funds when doing so would allow those funds to support innovative housing options aligned with the priorities of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and county boards of developmental disabilities. This flexibility is important as communities across Ohio work to address changing housing needs and develop creative, person-centered solutions.
We are encouraged by the momentum around this legislation and grateful to Representatives Odioso and Lett for their leadership. Their work reflects an understanding that housing is more than a place to live. It is the foundation for independence, stability, belonging, and full participation in community life.
As we look ahead to the second half of the year, NCCH will continue to advocate for policies, partnerships, and investments that expand housing choice and strengthen community inclusion. Thank you for being part of this work and for helping us move closer to a future where every person has access to a home that supports their needs, goals, and dignity.
Chris West
NCCH President & CEO