Main Street Connect Inc

Main Street aims to become the leading voice for what inclusion can look like in a greater community and to make inclusion the norm. We are more than just a building. We are a movement of passionate, dedicated individuals united in community and inclusion for all that extends far beyond Main Street's walls. We aim to change the daunting, grim future for adults with disabilities and dispel the stereotypes people WITHOUT disabilities hold for people WITH disabilities. Our thoughtful programming reflects our community's interests, beliefs and value systems, creating a community that thinks differently and leads where others don't.

In 3-5 years Main Street expects to have demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of its model, its positive impact on member life satisfaction, and be able to point to a community that embraces inclusivity as a norm. Additionally, Main Street anticipates having a proven turnkey prototype that can be replicated and scaled, and a model for other entities around the country. We are committed to supporting the growth of our concept and we have already engaged in numerous conversations with organizations around the country interested in replication.

A number of key factors shape Main Street’s confidence that it can achieve its goals--the need for this model is dire, the demand/interest in Main Street in the disability community is strong, public and private community backing is growing. However, only with increased funding support, can Main Street be successful.

A dearth of housing choices leave many adults with disabilities living with aging parents, where they often struggle socially, financially and emotionally. The housing alternatives that presently exist are generally unaffordable, inaccessible, lack meaningful inclusion with people who are typically developing and often result in isolation and limited opportunities for employment and recreation. Moreover, options for inclusive and affordable housing are slim.

The Main Street model marries affordable and inclusive housing, which alone sets us apart from most options existing today. The true differentiator is our membership -model, community center that offers numerous opportunities for engagement by all residents and members of the community-at-large. Such a model does not currently exist. Furthermore, the deep and active engagement of our members demonstrates how successful this model can be long term. To date, more than 1,700 people in our community have already joined Main Street as members.

What sets Main Street miles apart is not only our innovative concept but how our philosophy is being operationalized. For the past four years, Main Street has been changing the landscape for how people FEEL when they engage in our bi-weekly events (and in the future, all programming). Main Street is unique in its unwavering focus on inclusion, on changing mindsets and attitudes, and, on providing options where individuals of all abilities choose to be and with whom. Main Street strives to eradicate the “us versus them” mentality from today’s collective reality, aiming to inspire a new generation — through community building, education, inclusive living opportunities, events and experiences. Time and time again, participants have shared “how good they feel'', “how being a part of the Main Street family gives them hope”, “how everyone can benefit from being included”.

Main Street is a mixed-income, mixed-use development that fosters organic and inclusive opportunities for individuals with varying special needs to live, learn, work, play and thrive. This flagship building includes 70 dwelling units, approximately 10,000 square feet of purposefully designed community space and a coffee shop. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the dwelling units are affordable – serving households earning 30%, 50% and 60% of the Area Medium Income (AMI) – and 17 units are specifically designed and designated for individuals with varying special needs.

The community space includes a wellness and fitness center, commercial grade teaching kitchen, multimedia room, classrooms and a cyber-café that employs people with disabilities. All of this is available to the building residents as well as Main Street’s members with and without disabilities.

Main Street - created on the founding principles of affordability, inclusivity and sustainability - is a vibrant community for continued learning, social engagement, health and wellness, community building and overall joy and happiness for the building resident and members. Fostering a culture of inclusion, Main Street bridges abilities, age and socio-economic factors, allowing participants to enjoy casual, organic social encounters as well as structured activities, classes and therapeutic programs provided by Main Street staff and our seasoned service providing partners.

Main Street, however, is much more than a physical building – our culture of inclusion has expanded into a movement of inclusion! A movement to educate all stakeholders – government agencies, private enterprises, educational institutions, our next-door neighbors – that all individuals – regardless of ability have much to contribute to our world! A movement to provide safe, affordable, accessible and inclusive housing! A movement to give everyone equitable opportunities to belong – to participate – to THRIVE!

Created on the founding principles of affordability, inclusivity and sustainability, Main Street is a vibrant community for continued learning, social engagement, health and wellness and community building. By fostering a culture of inclusion, Main Street bridges abilities, age and socio-economic factors, allowing residents and members from diverse backgrounds to enjoy casual, organic social encounters as well as structured activities and therapeutic programs provided by trained staff and community partners. Main Street offers its members (residents and those living in the larger community) a robust menu of virtual and in person, daily, weekly, and monthly classes, programs, events, and community engagement opportunities. Main Street programs have grown from the original two monthly programs to currently hosting an average of 90 monthly programs (20-22 weekly programs). Additionally, Main Street sponsors events to educate, raise awareness and advocate for people with disabilities. A full calendar of events can be found on https://mainstreetconnect.org/events/

In it's inaugural year, Main Street worked with the University of Maryland on a mixed methods research study to understand the efficacy of this model and prove that Main Street will improve the quality of life for it's residents both with and without disabilities and family members of residents with disabilities.

The findings from surveys were supported by what researchers heard during interviews. Residents and family members expressed overall satisfaction with the residential experience at Main Street. Themes that emerged included pride, autonomy, inclusion and increased engagement. The results can be found on the website: https://mainstreetconnect.org/main-street-umd-research-partnership/.

During the pandemic MS offered all of its programs virtually and will continue to offer some virtually and some on a hybrid basis as needed, into the future.
Main Street collaborates, shares resources, makes connections and co-sponsors opportunities for its members and is partnering with numerous local agencies, organizations and professionals in providing direct and varied experiences.