New Horizons Village

Location
Unionville Section of Farmington, CT – Connecticut 5th Congressional District  

Summary
New Horizons, Inc. (AKA New Horizons Village), the Town of Farmington, and the Connecticut Department of Housing have partnered to stabilize, modernize, and implement energy-efficiency upgrades to existing affordable housing residences and endeavored to create and construct 22 additional state-of-the-art, one-bedroom units on the campus of NHV.  The addition of the 22 units made it possible to positively impact the lives of the residents who once shared living space to realize independent living and supportive care services.   NHV provides affordable ADA-compliant housing with added support services to 101 adults with physical disabilities.  The individuals living in the Village have a wide range of physical disabilities including Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, spinal cord injuries as well as other clinically diagnosed disabilities of the central nervous system.    Most tenants rely on motorized wheelchairs for mobility; therefore, having access to quality accessible housing is vital.

The Connecticut Department of Housing continues to place high importance on supporting initiatives that enhance accessible housing across the state’s housing portfolio.  This project is an example of a development that has improved the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and while other technological advancement opportunities exist, has strategically placed NHV to sustain itself for another 20-25 years. The project is at 98% completion with a development budget that is set to expire on 12/1/2023.

Benefits
Nestled on 26 sprawling acres in a quiet Connecticut suburb is New Horizons Village.  The 501(c)(3) organization has made it its mission to serve individuals with physical disabilities.  For the last 37 years, New Horizons’ quest has been to provide affordable wheelchair-accessible housing with added support services including back-up care and transportation.  The Connecticut Department of Housing partnered with New Horizons Village to make much-needed improvements to their existing buildings and to construct 22 additional one-bedroom apartments.  This project has benefited the tenants and the greater community through the following improvements: 

  • Energy Efficient Upgrades (Roof, Siding, doors, windows, site-lighting):  By insulating the building’s thermal envelope (exterior walls and ceiling) with insulated sheathing and high-efficiency siding, new roofs, windows, and doors not only enhance the living conditions but made it easier to regulate the temperatures within the apartments of residents whose medical conditions require consistent room temperature.  In addition, improved lighting has made our campus safer for residents and visitors.
  • New Technology:  New automatic door openers and call-for-aid systems are just two examples of technology upgrades that were incorporated into this project.  Many of the tenants have limited use of their hands due to their physical disabilities.  Being able to utilize technology has given the residents the opportunity to perform daily tasks that they were not able to previously do, and thus live independently.  Partnering with reputable organizations such as Stanley Access Technology allowed New Horizons Village to obtain life-changing technology.
 
  • Improved Living Options: The history of New Horizons Village dates back to the 1950s when a group of individuals with severe physical disabilities dreamed of living independently. This group of men and women had significant limitations imposed on them due to their disabilities and they were forced to live at New Britain Memorial Hospital. These courageous individuals worked tirelessly to raise the funds necessary in order to purchase the land and build New Horizons Village which first opened its doors in 1986. The Village was originally built with a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The individuals that moved from New Britain Memorial Hospital were accustomed to living in a room with 5 or 6 other people so many of them preferred to live with a friend who was also physically disabled when they moved to New Horizons Village. The 2-bedroom apartments satisfied a need back in the 1980s but this arrangement has become very challenging. As a result of this project, New Horizons Village was able to add 22 additional 1-bedroom apartments so that more tenants can now have a single unit.  Adults with physical disabilities living at New Horizons Village can enjoy the dignity of having their own apartments just like able-bodied people enjoy.  With ADA-accessible upgrades to existing apartments, the hardscaping of walkways/pathways throughout this 26-acre campus, installation of the call for aid system, the accessible garden beds and the completion of the 22 additional ADA fully accessible units have positioned NHV to better serve residents with clinically diagnosed disabilities of the central nervous system with modern conveniences that truly enhance their lives. 
  • Community:  New Horizons Village residents are fully immersed in the local community.  Our campus is situated in a residential area.   The tenants enjoy interacting with the local neighbors that live in the abutting streets.  There are two paths that New Horizons Village residents utilize to access the shops and grocery stores in the center of Unionville.  New Horizons’ transportation service also brings tenants to work, college, church and other social gatherings.  Community events are frequently held at New Horizons Village.  On a weekly basis, seniors and others in the Farmington Valley come to New Horizons to participate in pickleball matches in the gymnasium.  Improving the paving and site lighting has ensured that our campus remains safe for both our existing residents and visitors from the community.

New Horizons Village is meeting an important need in the community.  The federal funding that was received as part of this project has allowed New Horizons to further its mission of providing housing and support services for people with physical disabilities who want to live in a community that maximizes opportunities for independent, self-directed living.   

Innovation
Cutting-edge automatic door openers have been installed across our campus.  Stanley Access Technologies developed this product which has made a tremendous impact on the individuals that we serve.  Almost all the tenants that live at New Horizons Village utilize motorized wheelchairs for mobility.  Most have dexterity challenges as a result of their physical disabilities.  Prior to this project, many residents struggled to open and close their doors.  Pull ropes were often utilized when operating the door.  

The new automatic door opener technology has been life changing.  Tenants can now open and close their door with a single click of a button.  They no longer need to utilize a pull rope or ask for assistance from a caregiver. 

The following short video highlights how cutting-edge technology has improved lives by providing the gift of independence to those in need:

Call-for-aid systems have also been installed in each apartment.  This technology allows tenants to immediately alert New Horizons Village staff members if there is an emergency or if they need assistance. 

The technology enhancements that were included in this project have made a huge difference!  These new products and features have greatly benefited the 101 adults with physical disabilities that live at New Horizons Village by supporting their quest to live as independently as possible.   Also, with the installation of accessible garden beds, launched the Implementation of the resident gardening program so residents can grow their own food.   

Additional Needs
New Horizons Village is hoping to install additional smart home technology in our new and existing buildings in the near future. Residents would benefit from additional products such as voice-activated shades and light bulbs as well as smart thermostats.  We will continue to look for additional funding sources in order to bring additional technology to the Village.

Partners

  • The CT Department of Housing
  • The CT Department of Social Services
  • The Town of Farmington

Funding

  • Housing Trust Fund: $2,682,923
  • State C.G.S. “Flex” Agency Assistance: $2,200,000
  • First Mortgage: $1,260,000
  • Energy Rebates: $70,950
  • HTCC: $500,000
  • Property Reserves: $750,000
  • Total: $7,463,873

Small Cities CDBG (2018 and 2019)

  • CDBG: $1,700,000
  • New Horizon Village/Town of Farmington: $171,888
  • Eversource (Energy Rebates): $9,608
  • Total: $1,876,043

Contact
Miguel Rivera, Unit Director
Connecticut Department of Housing
Housing and Community Development
[email protected]

Dominic Carew, Program Manager, Small Cities Team Leader
[email protected]

Jody Trestman, Project Manager
[email protected]

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