A Leader for Independence

Beau Harper is a man of fortitude, determination and purpose. Following a long line of tradition, from our Founding Fathers to those currently pursuing the American dream, Beau sought independence. His primary goal:  to live independently. A former resident of an adult developmental (AD) home, Beau was referred by his Support Coordinator, Robin Brookins, to the Affordable Housing Program offered by the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

Man sits on his livingroom couch holding his cat.

“For a long time, I wanted to do the housing program,” said Beau, “and Robin helped me get on the list.  Once I got approved for housing, I went with it.”

Beau’s one-bedroom apartment came with a fully equipped kitchen, and his own clothes washer and dryer. Another plus, living in the City of Phoenix is miles closer to his job at Sky Harbor Airport than his former AD home in Avondale.

“I like the community,” said Beau, who has also met and developed relationships with “quite a few neighbors.” He explained, “What I like about [the location] is that everything is close by.”  Within walking distance is the “Phoenix [Burton Barr] Library.  CVS is right around the corner.  There’s Pita Jungle, a Mexican restaurant that’s right across the street, and a coffee shop.”

When home, Beau enjoys cooking meals, such as meatloaf and chicken thighs.  He cooks meals in quantity then will “package it up, label it so I know what’s expired and what’s not, and put it in the freezer.  This way, I have enough to last me for a while.”

He also enjoys the company of his pet rabbit, Bella, and his cat, Hazel. “If I’m having a bad day or if I’m irritated, she [Hazel] lays on my lap.  She sleeps right next to me, too.”

Beau hopes that other eligible DDD members will “feel the confidence that I feel” to move out on their own.  The experience of being independent goes a long way in building self-confidence, self-esteem, and provides continuing opportunity for self growth.

“It’s scary at first but then you start getting used to doing things yourself.”

Beau reminds us that the feeling of independence “doesn’t’ happen overnight.”

Beau Harper outside his Phoenix home.

The DDD Affordable Housing Program is made possible by a partnership with the Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC), the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The program offers qualified DDD members with limited affordable housing opportunities in Maricopa and Pima Counties. Residents from other counties in Arizona may apply for these Affordable Housing opportunities if they are willing to relocate to these counties.  For more information, please contact your DDD Support Coordinator or visit the Member Housing Opportunities web page.