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Casa Familia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advocacy and creation of safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for adults with intellectual, developmental, and other related disabilities, recently celebrated the grand opening of The Village of Casa Familia in Kendall.
The milestone event marks a major step forward in addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing designed specifically for adults with IDD and other related disabilities in South Florida.
Located at 10951 SW 84 St., Miami, FL 33173, The Village of Casa Familia includes two three-story buildings with 50 one- and two-bedroom apartments, providing housing for 62 adults. The community also features an 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art community center offering an art studio, internet café, fitness center, game room, demonstration kitchen, movie theater, multi-purpose event space, sensory “chill” room, resort-style pool and spa, half-court basketball area, lighted walking paths, covered patios and walkways, bicycle storage, access-controlled keyless-entry system, and covered drop-off areas.
The Community Center will also serve as headquarters for Casa Familia’s leadership staff, as well as its partners Royal American Management and Sunrise Community Inc. Housing is affordable, with rent capped at 30 percent of tenant income, and incorporates smart-home features such as automatic water and stove shut-off systems. Community activities and services will be coordinated by Sunrise Community Inc.
“The true measure of a community is how it cares for its most vulnerable residents. The Village of Casa Familia will be a prime example of compassionate care and leadership for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a model for communities across our nation,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This has been a long time coming, and is a reflection of the very best of our values. In Miami-Dade, every resident, of every ability, can thrive and belong.”
Founded in 2015 by eight families united by a shared concern for the future of their loved ones with intellectual, developmental, and other related disabilities, Casa Familia was created to address a significant housing and community engagement gap faced by persons with disabilities as they transition into adulthood.
“This moment and this day are deeply personal to me,” said Marie-Ilene Whitehurst, co-founder of Casa Familia. “What began as our family’s hope and dream many years ago — a dream I shared with my late husband, Tom Whitehurst — has now become a community’s promise: a promise that our loved ones will always have a safe, vibrant place to live, grow, and truly belong.”
Nationally, approximately 75 percent of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with a parent or guardian, underscoring the urgent need for long-term, independent housing options as caregivers age.
“Standing here today and celebrating this ribbon cutting is deeply emotional and incredibly rewarding,” said Karin Jawitz, one of the co-founders of Casa Familia. “What started as a dream and a shared concern about the future for our loved ones has grown into a beautiful, supportive community where residents can live with independence, dignity, and a true sense of belonging. Seeing families walk through these doors and know their loved ones have a place to call home is truly why Casa Familia was created.”
The Village of Casa Familia was made possible through a partnership between Casa Familia and Atlantic Pacific Companies, a fifth-generation real estate company that served as both development partner and general contractor. The design was completed by Corwil Architects, with property management by RAM Partners. Truist served as the construction lender and provided investment equity through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
“Projects like this go beyond housing — they’re about creating a true sense of home and belonging,” said Kathy Farrell, head of Truist Asset Finance. “Strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to live safely, independently, and with purpose. We’re proud to support efforts like this that don’t just provide shelter but create environments where people can truly thrive.”
Additional partners included Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County’s Housing & Community Development Department, Miami-Dade County’s Community Service Department, Florida Housing Finance Corporation and State of Florida’s Agency for Person with Disabilities.
“Collaborating with Casa Familia Inc., Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Miami-Dade County, Truist, and our other critical partners is a testament to the power of our community coming together to protect its most vulnerable,” said Ken Naylor, president of Development at Atlantic Pacific Companies.
The full Casa Familia community will be completed in three phases. Future phases include The Residences at Casa Familia, which will feature four six-bedroom homes designed to provide assisted living in a communal setting, and The Gardens at Casa Familia, which will add an additional 50 affordable apartment units. These future phases will be developed by Pinnacle Housing.
Casa Familia is currently raising $6 million to complete The Residences at Casa Familia, support the remaining phases, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the community.
“Supporting housing like The Village of Casa Familia is exactly the kind of investment our community needs,” said State Rep. Alex Rizo. “By working together with government, nonprofit, and private partners, we are expanding opportunities and creating a future where adults with special needs have access to the housing and various support systems they need.”
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