Where possible, HomeBase uses "Universal Language" terms and definitions established in A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities. Resnik, D. D., & Kameka Galloway, D. (3rd Eds.). (2025). Phoenix, AZ: First Place AZ; Madison House Autism Foundation; the Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University and its Morrison Institute for Public Policy at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
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A small, independent residential unit, such as a studio or one-bedroom apartment, built on a permanent foundation on the same lot as a single-family home. It may be attached or unattached to the primary home. ADUs are owned by the homeowner of the lot and can be rented or leased. Also referred to as accessory apartments, secondary suites, and guesthouses.
Housing affordability depends on the cost of housing and household income. The common standard is that a household should be able to afford to pay 30% of their income on housing. If housing costs exceed 30% of income, a household is "cost burdened." This category describes whether the price of housing is set at the market rate or is subsidized. In some cases, developments will charge a market rate but offer "scholarships" or selective discounts based on household income.
An apartment community where units are rented at below-market rates and there is a tenant preference for people with disabilities. The housing may or may not include supportive services. These communities are typically built using low-income housing tax credits, allocated to developers through a competitive process administered by the state housing finance authority, in Georgia, the Department of Community Affairs.
The midpoint household income for a given metro area or county: half of households earn more, half earn less. AMI is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and adjusted for household size, so a larger household has a higher AMI than someone living alone.
Housing programs use AMI as a benchmark for income eligibility, usually expressed as a percentage:
For example, a property that requires "30% AMI" (such as Mainstream/HUD 811 Vouchers) means a household's income must fall at or under 30% of the local median for its household size. Because AMI varies by location, the same percentage can represent very different dollar amounts from one county to the next.
A development consisting of a building or complex. In an apartment community, each unit is rented by one or more residents from a single landlord. In a condominium community, each unit is privately owned, and common areas are maintained through fees to a homeowners association (HOA). Both types vary in size from micro-units (under 400 square feet) to three-bedroom units and larger.
When HomeBase refers to an apartment or condominium community, it means the entire development. When only a subset of units is involved, the term "scattered-site housing" applies.
Properties designed for people with disabilities are in varying stages of development; existing options are limited. This category includes terms that indicate the availability of a residential unit or property based on the stage of development and level of occupancy.
An intentionally planned housing community created by its residents. Co-housing communities typically feature private residential units, single-family homes, townhouses, etc., along with a shared community center or common house. The property is designed and managed by residents, who typically own their homes. Many host weekly common meals and events organized by residents.
A housing arrangement where unrelated people rent private bedrooms and share larger common areas like kitchens, lounges, and outdoor spaces. Similar to sharing an apartment with a housemate, though co-living arrangements may include more residents than a typical 2- or 3-bedroom apartment. In some cases, individual units may have limited cooking capacity, such as a kitchenette with a microwave and small refrigerator.
A less formal type of scattered-site housing where multiple units are rented or purchased by individuals rather than by a single entity. Coordination of unit acquisition and programming is typically undertaken by a single family or small group of families, for example, a few families each purchasing a unit within an existing condominium development.
A community that offers assisted living and/or skilled nursing in addition to independent living units, designed to meet the changing needs of residents as they age and allow residents to stay in a single community throughout their lifespan.
A snapshot of what a typical day for residents of a community looks like. This includes any expectations a development may have regarding employment, volunteer activities, or participation in programs funded under the Medicaid community-access-group (CAG) category ("day programs").
Describes types of real estate developments that include residential units. When considering potential housing options, individuals and their families should consider how the development type might impact their lifestyle, community integration, long-term services and supports delivery, and life goals.
The property or community centers on religious faith. It may encourage specific religious affiliation and/or incorporate spiritual rituals and practices into daily life.
A type of residential campus community located on a farm or ranch property. Residents often work on site and learn agricultural or ranching skills.
Some properties are developed for residents to own, while others are developed for residents to rent or lease. Some properties have an explicit goal of long-term affordability. The chosen model has important implications for the design, financing, and management of the property.
Also known as a Community Residential Alternative (CRA) in Georgia. Individuals with disabilities live together in a single residence, typically a single-family home. The homes are licensed by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), which sets a maximum of 4 residents per home. Group homes are "provider controlled," meaning the entity providing housing is also the provider of support services. In essence, residents are purchasing a bundle that includes both housing and support services.
In Georgia, a host home is a private residence where an owner or renter provides housing, food, and personal support care for one or two adults with developmental disabilities who are not related to them. As with group homes, they are "provider controlled" and are subject to regulation by the DBHDD. However, unlike group homes, the host who provides support care lives with the individuals with IDD.
Residential facilities that provide 24-hour care and active treatment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ICFs/IID are licensed and regulated at the state level and funded through Medicaid. They vary in size from small group settings to larger institutional facilities. As of 2023, there were 28 ICFs/IID operating in Georgia, all funded through the Georgia Medicaid program.
Some residential communities, particularly planned communities, cater to particular lifestyle interests through the physical and supportive amenities they offer or their proximity to other amenities. Individuals and families may consider how their own lifestyle fits with that of a community when evaluating housing options.
Residents work on site and may share meals. Often located in rural settings on a farm or ranch, though examples in more urban settings exist. Residents frequently receive training as part of the on-site employment experience.
Built features of the residential unit, building, and/or development that make life easier and more enjoyable for residents. Examples include fitness rooms, common spaces, accessible design features, and outdoor areas. Also referred to as hard infrastructure or environmental supports.
Clusters of nearby homes or apartments arranged around a shared commons, micro-neighborhoods designed to foster neighborly interactions while preserving personal privacy. A sense of community may arise naturally among residents by the fact that everyone lives around a shared common greenspace.
Activities organized by the property, typically via paid staff. This may include health and fitness activities, life-skills training, art classes, and workplace and vocational support.
Criteria potential residents must meet in order to live in the community. These are restrictions beyond the target market. For example, in affordable housing developments, residents must have household incomes below a specified level.
Communities typically located in suburban or semi-rural areas that serve only people with disabilities. They are largely self-contained, frequently providing on-site amenities like dining halls, recreation facilities, vocational workshops, employment opportunities, and medical facilities. Also known as "farmsteads," "campus model," or "live/work/play" communities, depending on the location and services provided.
Describes the many types of homes available, with reference to their physical design, size, and ownership model, such as studio apartments, single-family homes, townhouses, or condominiums.
A housing model where individual homes, apartments, or small clusters of units are dispersed throughout diverse, mainstream residential neighborhoods rather than grouped in a single development. Units may be spread across different city blocks, zip codes, or cities. The specific building type can vary, single-family detached homes, townhouses, duplexes, or a small number of units within a larger apartment complex or condominium building.
Supports or features voluntarily provided by a property, typically via paid staff, that make life easier and/or more enjoyable for residents. These benefit all residents and are not individualized support services. The cost may be covered in rent or out-of-pocket fees. Also referred to as soft infrastructure or built-in supportive amenities.
Describes the different types of residents that a property or development primarily aims to serve through design, physical amenities, and supportive amenities. Some properties do not target any specific residential market.
A number between 0 and 100 that measures access to public transportation. Scores are calculated by Walk Score based on proximity to transit stops and frequency of service.
90–100: Rider's Paradise, world-class public transportation
70–89: Excellent Transit, convenient for most trips
50–69: Good Transit, many nearby options
25–49: Some Transit, a few nearby options
0–24: Minimal Transit, possible to get on a bus
No score: No transit stops within practical walking distance
Designed to be a limited-term living arrangement, not a lifelong home. There is typically an emphasis on teaching independent living skills, either through experiential learning or a more formal program. Residents are often individuals who have not previously lived outside of the family home.
Transportation provided by the developer, such as a shuttle service or van. The cost may be covered in rent or out-of-pocket fees.
Indicates whether there is a waitlist for units, how to get on the waitlist, and how applicants are selected from the waitlist.
A number between 0 and 100 that measures how walkable an address is, based on proximity to amenities. Calculated by Walk Score; amenities within a 5-minute walk receive maximum points, and no points are given beyond a 30-minute walk.
90–100: Walker's Paradise, daily errands do not require a car
70–89: Very Walkable, most errands can be done on foot
50–69: Somewhat Walkable, some errands can be done on foot
25–49: Car-Dependent, most errands require a car
0–24: Car-Dependent, almost all errands require a car
Hobby groups or planned social activities coordinated by the property, such as movie nights, sports events, dances, and game nights. These may be organized by residents or a staff member or activity coordinator.