Big Wave Group

The Big Wave Group is dedicated to providing a sense of community, lifelong housing, and access to opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Adults with IDD are often isolated and live below the poverty level. Only 3% of special needs adults in San Mateo County are served by available housing, creating a crisis for this vulnerable community as their parents and family members age and can no longer care for them.

The Big Wave campus is located on 6.9 acres in Princeton Harbor and is a “hub” for the IDD community. It will include a two-story residence that will house 38 adults with IDD, individual apartments, and common areas for social activities. Also on the campus is the Big Wave Farm, which served over 1,800 adults with IDD in 2023 who learned about nutrition and growing food while building friendships on the Farm. Varied educational and job opportunities will be available on campus, such as a Culinary Academy and Day Program run by the nonprofit One Step Beyond. One Step Beyond is an experienced life skills and employment training program for Bay Area adults with IDD. The Culinary Academy will provide life skills and train these adults to gain employment in the hospitality industry, and the Day Program will provide education, skills development, recreation, exercise, and friendship.

This project has been over 20 years in the making. Although we are excited about how much we’ve accomplished, our fundraising needs are critical. Donations will help with construction costs, build several apartments for needs-based families who can’t otherwise participate, support our ongoing enrichment activities for our community, and support our all-volunteer farm. We need your help now more than ever.

Help give these unique and most vulnerable individuals housing, opportunities, and community. Thank you for your support!

Testimonials

 “I am so excited to see much-needed housing options like Big Wave for our community’s diverse population coming to fruition on the Coastside.  All Coastsiders should be able to live in housing that supports their needs, keeps them safe, and brings them happiness. Housing developments that meet the needs of our vulnerable populations while providing access to all of the resources and splendor the Coastside provides, is a beautiful thing.”

Krystlyn Giedt, President and CEO Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber

“The number one worry of every special needs parent is…what happens to my child when I’m gone?  We are building Big Wave to give our son a place to live out his life, to be with his friends, to have purpose and be part of a community”

Julie Shenkman, local business owner, and most importantly, mom of Sam

“As a business owner and longtime member of this community, I’m thrilled to welcome these residents to the coast!  My family has been in this community for over 100 years…it’s time to build housing designed for this special and vulnerable group of adults.”

Joe Angelini, Owner/Broker Farmers Insurance Half Moon Bay

"The intention is to provide a home for adults with special needs, but also to provide a place where the community can engage with them, something I believe will be wonderful."

Naomi Patridge, Former Mayor Half Moon Bay

"Big Wave is a huge bonus for our community. We are one giant family on the coast and need a home for these important people, it gives them a place and a purpose."

Kelly Hoffman Davis, PTO President Farallone View School,Montara resident and small business owner