WeBUILT DFW

WeBUILT DFW is on a mission to create an affordable co-housing community for autistic and neurodiverse adults who have a desire to live independently in a setting where they can have friends and support.  We are modeling our community after WeBUILT in Clackamas, OR, which has successfully built a thriving community for neurodiverse adults to live for the rest of their lives.  We have also evaluated other communities around the nation that have created flourishing communities for neurodiverse adults.

The need in Texas is especially great as Texas ranks very low (49th out of 50 states) in providing benefits and housing for special needs adults.  WeBUILT DFW's goal is to enable autistic and neurodiverse adults to live successfully at their highest level of independence-already thriving when their parents are no longer able to care for them.  Our community will help eliminate the isolation and frustrations so often associated with neurodiverse adults who are trying to strike out on their own without needed support or are still living in their parents' home.  

In January of 2024, WeBUILT DFW began sponsoring monthly social gatherings (WeBUILT Friendships) for neurodiverse adults interested in our community.  Membership in WeBUILT Friendships is free, and open to neurodiverse adults all over North Texas.  Our events have been held in a variety of locations in Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties.  In the first six months, we had 21 neurodiverse adults register and attend our group events.  Since then we have 61 who have registered and many come regularly. These monthly meetups are an opportunity for potential future residents to meet and forge friendships and a sense of community, as well as learn new skills.  Parents are always welcome to join the gathering, leading to a cohesive group to help support the startup of our co-housing.

In addition, WeBUILT DFW has started training classes for the group that is preparing to move into an apartment building  later this year.  To this end, we have created a pilot group that is working together to start up the co-housing community and learn how to support each other.  The goal is to establish a successful framework, so additional friends will be able to successfully join their community in 2027 and beyond,  So far, training has focused mainly on safety topics such as: safety online, out and about in the community, kitchen, emergencies, and weather.  Parents and some paid support will help the adults get started. 

WeBUILT stands for We Build Unique Independent Lives Together. With the help of the North Texas community, we will be able to make a lasting impact in the lives of autistic and neurodiverse adults.