Kelso’s unique Lexington Avenue home serves need experienced by many
New home developed by Options for Supported Housing brings novel housing model for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
On June 30, disability and housing advocates gathered for the opening of Kelso’s newest affordable housing project. New tenants and supporters mingled, took photos, and discussed plans for future barbeques. This wasn’t just any housewarming, though: This new property was developed with its residents’ unique needs in mind.
 Housing and disability advocates gather for the grand opening of a new home on Lexington Avenue in Kelso, developed and operated by Options for Supported Housing, on June 30. (Jenica Lemmons/Lemondrops Photography)
Options For Supported Housing (Options) has been committed to housing those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since 1973, expanding from group homes manager to affordable housing developer, while shifting away from the congregate model.
The Washington State Department of Commerce invested $1 million in Options’ new home on Lexington Avenue, which is reserved for people with IDD and limited incomes.
This may not be what many envision in terms of accessible and affordable housing. This is a four-bedroom single-family home in which each tenant holds a lease. The home is built with accessibility in mind to serve their individual needs, such as level entries and exits and roll-in showers. The space will meet its tenants’ needs for years to come, allowing aging in place, which is an important goal for anyone, regardless of ability.
In their new home, residents will continue to access 24/7 support services provided by Another Option, which is funded by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Developmental Disabilities Administration.
Options For Supported Housing purchased the land from Mt. View Baptist Church, which received higher offers for the property. The church accepted Options’ bid to support the goal of developing affordable housing for people with IDD.
This home is income-restricted, which reflects the reality that many people with IDD may not work and often only receive a monthly allowance from Social Security. Qualifying tenants earning less than $1,000 per month are eligible to live in this property.
Amidst a history of institutionalization and other crowded living situations, people with IDD have not always had the opportunity to be a part of their community. Options promotes a low-density housing design that best serves the needs of tenants with IDD. These tenants are from the same community and know each other, ensuring they can share this ideal home space for years to come. Additionally, a single-family home can allow more space to socialize and keep their own spaces.
Working hard to fill a significant gap
As of 2025, Options for Supported Housing has developed properties nationwide that support over 400 tenants with IDD, including approximately 200 in Washington.
Options is one of several affordable housing developers for people with IDD and is responding to a common issue in nearly every community: there is not enough affordable housing, and there’s even less that is accessible for those with IDD.
In January 2025, The Arc of Washington State reported that that approximately 6% of housing in the United States is accessible, and that Washington faces of a deficit of 37,000 affordable and accessible units.
Emily Rogers of the Washington Developmental Disability Council adds that building homes for those with disabilities is important, but incorporating principles of universal design in all housing is also essential to expanding accessible housing stock.
“Few homes are designed to accommodate people with mobility challenges – there are so many houses that just have steps,” Rogers said.
Options is proud of the Lexington development and new housing opportunity for its four Kelso residents. The organization is already preparing for five more remodel projects, which will have new tenants moving in by year’s end.
“Once the Kelso celebration was complete, Options went right back to business to developing more,” said Jacob Pollowitz, development consultant. “The goal is always to provide as many housing opportunities as possible, and as fast as possible. Options is mission-driven and will continue to provide more housing to help meet the need of those with IDD.”
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