A new housing assignment in New Jersey seeks to help adults with autism live more independent lives, while continuing to provide them with what they need. Michelle Ross of FOX Five NY has the story.
RED BANK, N. J. — A single mother, encouraged by her autistic son, is building a new housing assignment in New Jersey to give others with autism a chance to live a more independent life while continuing to get what they need.
Karen Fluharty and her son Ryan are originally from New Jersey, however, Ryan moved to Arizona two years ago to live in an apartment with other people with autism and be independent while also having supportive housing. Karen started looking for a position like this for when she was 15, because as soon as an autistic user turns 21, her school ends. Research was not something Karen took lightly. “‘ Oh my God,'” Karen recalls. I have to move my only child as a single mom across the country. ‘”That’s when she started Parents with a Plan, a nonprofit that aims to create more of those types of housing, but closer to home.
“I was looking for a position where he could thrive. “
“I was looking for a position where he could work, where he could just socialize, where he had to see art and culture, where he could just shop,” Fluharty said. Red Bank encompasses all of this, adding simplicity to public transportation, so he teamed up with longtime friend and real estate developer John Klein to bring it to life. THRIVE Red Bank is now under construction. They have learned about a site on Shrewsbury Avenue that will have three plots of land and will feature 32 one-bedroom apartments for people with autism. A navigator will live on-site to advise residents. The first piece of land will be a collection station.