Pleasanton-based Tri-Valley REACH builds inclusive communities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live independently. Over the past 30 years, the nonprofit has worked within the community to create affordable and safe living options. The homes are located within existing Tri-Valley communities, allowing residents to live alongside people from different walks of life.

“The REACH housing model promotes inclusivity at its best, fostering relationships between residents and neighbors while facilitating independent living skills,” says Vice Chair Sharon Almeida. “Residents engage in everyday activities like walking to the mailbox, setting out recycling, and waiting for a bus, building friendships and understanding among neighbors.”

In early November 2024, residents moved into the nonprofit’s first Pleasanton Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). It was built with the help of a number of partners, including the City of Pleasanton and Alameda County. According to Almeida, the 743-square-foot newly built residence reflects a sense of community, energy, and warmth, offering a welcoming addition to REACH’s properties across the Tri-Valley. She notes that REACH remains the only Tri-Valley nonprofit providing housing options that are safe, affordable, equitable, and located within existing Tri-Valley neighborhoods. REACH owns each property, enabling the nonprofit to cap the rent levels and tailor homes to accommodate the needs of each resident, which promotes confidence and freedom.

“The collaboration between REACH and the City is important because we share a commitment to providing housing opportunities for our city residents with the greatest needs, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to City of Pleasanton Housing Manager Steve Hernandez. “Whether through funding or support or assistance with planning and permitting, the City has been proud to partner with REACH in achieving its mission to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing to the I/DD community it serves.”

“At Tri-Valley REACH, we take great pride in creating housing opportunities that not only transform lives but also strengthen families,” Almeida says. “A recent example of our work involves Danielle, a young adult with I/DD who transitioned into independent living for the very first time via a REACH home. Her grandparents, who had been her primary caregivers, were preparing to move into a senior living facility. This pivotal moment in their lives could have posed significant challenges for the entire family. We provided Danielle with a safe, secure, and supportive environment where she could thrive independently. This move allowed her grandparents the peace of mind they needed to focus on their own transition, knowing that Danielle was well cared for and on a positive path toward an independent future.”

Affordable housing options remain a pressing concern for many extremely low-income adults with I/DD. To address this, REACH offers income-based rents as low as $350 per month. REACH’s shared homes promote inclusivity by fostering connections between residents and their neighbors, while residents learn the skills of living independently, such as cooking dinner. Currently, REACH serves 44 residents across 13 Tri-Valley REACH homes, including the new ADU. REACH also supports hundreds of Team T-RADD (Recreational Activities for the Developmentally Disabled) athletes and participants annually.

“By helping individuals like Danielle, we not only empower them to live a life of independence and autonomy but also alleviate stress on families,” Almeida adds. “Our mission is to create housing opportunities that leave a lasting impact on individuals and their loved ones, one home at a time.”

For more information about Tri-Valley REACH, please visit www.trivalleyreach.org, www.facebook.com/TriValleyREACH, or www.instagram.com/trivalleyreach.