Collaborative Community Housing Initiative

What Collaborative Community Housing Initiative does

Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2019 in Highland Park, Illinois, focused on developing supportive housing and community programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/ASD) and their families. The organization was founded by Laurie and Rick Williams, inspired by their adult son Zachary, and operates as a grassroots collective of more than 35 member families alongside community volunteers. Its core initiative, The Commons, is a 47-48 unit supportive cooperative apartment community under development in Highland Park, Illinois, where residents purchase co-op shares ($165,500 to $297,500) and pay monthly fees covering shared services including on-site resident advisors, front desk staff, community and programming managers, and internet access. Six units are reserved as affordable set-aside apartments, and services can be funded through private pay, home-based funding, or Illinois's Individual CILA (I-CILA) Medicaid program.

CCHI's technology layer integrates smart home devices (voice-activated lights, thermostats, door locks), wearable health monitoring with emergency alerts, and adaptive computers with screen readers and face recognition into resident units to enable greater self-sufficiency. The organization's go-to-market is community-led, relying on newsletter subscriptions, peer storytelling, a Facebook presence, volunteer programs, and word-of-mouth among families with adults with disabilities. Revenue is generated through tax-deductible donations (individual, DAF, tribute, employer matching), capital campaign contributions (Keys to Connection targeting $1.3M of a $3M+ total project cost), membership fees for the Navigating Independence Program, monthly co-op fees, and one-time co-op share purchases.

Strategically, CCHI is supported by a deep partner ecosystem including Glenkirk (on-site Medicaid services), Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (development expertise), Arts of Life (inclusive arts programming), the Highland Park Community Foundation (Navigating Independence Program sponsor), and multiple disability service organizations (NSSRA, TotalLink, Center for Enriched Living, Center for Independent Futures, Our Place, My Happy Life). State Rep Bob Morgan sponsored HB570 in 2024, enabling the City of Highwood to partner with CCHI on additional affordable housing model buildings, creating a regulatory pathway for geographic replication. The organization is operating with 1-10 employees, has earned Candid's Silver Seal of Transparency, and is in the pre-occupancy phase of its flagship development.

Name

Collaborative Community Housing Initiative

Legal name

Collaborative Community Housing Initiative

Website

https://thecchi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit developing The Commons, a 47-48 unit supportive cooperative apartment community in Highland Park, IL, providing integrated housing, assistive technology, and community programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Supportive Disability Housing Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ)

Keywords

• Supportive housing services
• Disability community living
• Cooperative housing model
• Nonprofit housing development
• Inclusive independent living

Headquarters

HQ city

Highland Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: CCHI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on tax-deductible donations from individuals, families, and community supporters to fund operations and housing development. Accepts individual donations, DAF grants, tribute gifts, and employer matching contributions.
2. Co-op Share Purchases: Residents purchase co-op shares to occupy apartments at The Commons. Shares range from $165,500 for an efficient studio to $297,500 for a large one-bedroom. Services are separate from rent.
3. Membership Fees: Annual membership program provides exclusive access to member-only programs, networking opportunities, and collaborative community engagement.
4. Capital Campaign Donations: Targeted fundraising campaign for specific housing development projects, including the Keys to Connection campaign raising $1.3 million for The Commons renovation.
5. Monthly Co-op Fees: Monthly rent covers shared expenses including internet/wi-fi, resident advisor on premises, front desk staff, community managers, and programming managers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CCHI develops and operates The Commons, a 47-48 unit supportive cooperative apartment community in Highland Park, Illinois, designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/ASD). Residents purchase co-op shares to occupy private studio or one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, pay monthly co-op fees, and access on-site support services, smart home technology, 24/7 security, Medicaid services, and shared community programming.

Product overview

Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that operates as a grassroots housing collective rather than a traditional technology product company. The core offering is The Commons, a 47-48 unit supportive cooperative apartment community being developed in Highland Park, Illinois for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/ASD). This is supplemented by the Keys to Connection Capital Campaign for fundraising, a membership program with exclusive resources and the Navigating Independence Program, volunteer opportunities, partnership programs, and a comprehensive donation platform accepting multiple payment methods. The organization focuses on inclusive community living where individuals can live, work, and connect within their home communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Commons: A 47-unit supportive cooperative apartment community in Highland Park, Illinois, providing inclusive co-living for adults with disabilities.

Products and services

• The Commons A 47-48 unit supportive cooperative apartment community in Highland Park, Illinois, providing inclusive co-living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/ASD). Features private studio and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, shared community spaces, smart home technology, on-site Medicaid services, 24/7 security, and person-centered support models.
• CCHI Membership Program Annual membership providing exclusive access to member-only resources, networking opportunities, educational programs, volunteer activities, and the Navigating Independence Program sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Designed for families, advocates, and supporters of adults with disabilities.
• Navigating Independence Program Educational and supportive program exclusively for CCHI members, sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation, that helps adults with disabilities and their families navigate the path to independent adult living.
• Keys to Connection Capital Campaign Targeted fundraising campaign raising $1.3 million for The Commons renovation project, including sponsorship and naming opportunities for rooms and building spaces.

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• CCHI Parent Association (CPAH)coreOthersCPAH is listed as a partner organization supporting CCHI's mission for inclusive housing. Specific partnership details not extensively documented.
• Lake County HousingcoreOthersLake County Housing partnership supports affordable housing initiatives for adults with disabilities in the Lake County area.
• GlenkirkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlenkirk leases dedicated building space in The Commons to offer direct-billed Medicaid services on-site. They are a key service provider partner for the co-living community.
• Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRichard Koenig, HODC Executive Director, serves on CCHI's Board. HODC has completed over 30 affordable developments with 500+ affordable units, bringing expertise in affordable housing development.
• Arts of LifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts of Life operates a beautiful art studio for residents and the greater community within The Commons, inspiring connection and creativity through an Inclusive Arts Program.
• Highland Park Community FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProudly sponsors the Navigating Independence Program exclusively for CCHI members. Provides grant funding and community support.
• TotalLink to CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partner organization linked through CCHI's community network for providing services to adults with disabilities.
• My Happy LifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in CCHI's community network providing services to support resident independence.
• Center for Enriched LivingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity network partner providing enrichment services for adults with disabilities.
• Our PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in CCHI's trusted network of disability service providers.
• NSSRAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth Shore Special Recreation Association partner providing recreational services to community members.
• Center for Independent FuturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting independent living options for individuals with disabilities.
• City of Highland ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government partner working with CCHI on the development of The Commons affordable housing project.
• State Rep Bob MorgancoreOthersSponsored HB570, a bill that will allow Highwood to work with CCHI to build new affordable housing model buildings designed for families with adults with disabilities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: Large national nonprofit providing disability and behavioral health services, including residential and community-living supports for adults with IDD. Comparable on mission and population; operates at significantly greater scale and geographic breadth.
• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit affordable-housing developer and operator serving families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Comparable on the affordable/accessibility housing axis, though much larger and broader in scope than CCHI's IDD-specific focus.
• The MENTOR Network (Sevita): Large national provider of home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health needs, including adult residential services. Comparable on residential IDD services at greater scale and with a for-profit orientation.
• The Arc of the United States: National nonprofit network advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with many local chapters operating residential and housing programs. Comparable on mission and target population; much broader scope than CCHI's single cooperative model.

Direct peers

• AHRC New York City: New York-based nonprofit providing residential, day, and clinical services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Directly comparable as an IDD-focused residential services nonprofit with multiple community residences.
• Center for Enriched Living: Illinois nonprofit offering social, educational, and recreational programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Comparable on mission and population; a current CCHI partner in the disability services network.
• Glenkirk: Illinois-based nonprofit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, vocational, and behavioral health programs. Directly comparable to CCHI on mission and population; also a current operational partner providing on-site Medicaid services at The Commons.
• Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS): Chicago-area nonprofit serving children, adults, and families including those with developmental disabilities, with residential and supportive-living programs. Comparable as a regional nonprofit providing disability housing and supportive services.

Regional players

• Northpointe Resources: Illinois nonprofit providing residential, vocational, and case-management services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable on mission and population, with a community-residential model in a different Illinois geography.

Others

• Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC): Illinois-based affordable housing developer with 30+ developments and 500+ affordable units. Comparable as an affordable-housing nonprofit partner/shareholder of CCHI's board, with deep expertise CCHI can leverage in replicating its model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/THECCHI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thecchi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Collaborative Community Housing Initiative