Ptarmigan Commons
An intentional housing model that supports independence, connection, and lifelong belonging for adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities
A Lifelong Community for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
For many families, one question remains at the heart of future planning: Who will care for my loved one when I no longer can?
Ptarmigan Commons was created as an answer to that question.
Ptarmigan Commons is a planned life-sharing community in Palmer, Alaska, designed to provide permanent homes, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live with purpose, independence, and connection.
Inspired by the International Camphill Movement and Hope's experience developing the Kenai Intentional Community and Willow Ranch, Ptarmigan Commons reimagines community living through shared life, meaningful relationships, and lifelong support.
More than housing, Ptarmigan Commons is designed to be a lifelong home where people are known, valued, and supported throughout their lives. Individualized supports are designed to evolve as each person's needs change over time, allowing residents to age in place. Residents have opportunities to contribute to community life in many ways—as neighbors, coworkers, artists, gardeners, volunteers, and friends.
Daily life is built around shared experiences, including preparing meals, tending gardens, creating arts and crafts, caring for animals, celebrating traditions, and simply spending time together.
Every person deserves more than a place to live—they deserve a place to belong.
Our Mission
To create wholeness for adults with developmental disabilities by nourishing social relationships, contributing to the community, and connecting to nature. Through rural lifestyles, artistic expression, and community participation, each person may more fully unfold their potential and lead a meaningful life.
Across Alaska, people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families are facing a growing housing crisis. Adults with I/DD want what everyone wants: a safe, stable home; meaningful relationships; and the freedom to live their lives with choice and dignity. Yet for many, housing options are limited, fragmented, or dependent on aging family caregivers.
Ptarmigan Commons responds to this gap by intentionally aligning housing design, support services, and community connection. It moves away from group home models and toward living environments that support independence, inclusion, and aging in place.
Every person has unique goals, interests, and support needs. While traditional residential models work well for many people, others are seeking a different kind of community—one that emphasizes shared living, meaningful relationships, long-term stability, and opportunities to contribute alongside neighbors and friends.
Ptarmigan Commons offers an additional choice: an intentional, life-sharing community where housing, individualized supports, and community life are thoughtfully integrated. Residents remain connected to the broader community while enjoying the stability of a neighborhood designed to support their specific wants and needs.
By expanding the options available to people and families, Ptarmigan Commons aims to strengthen Alaska's continuum of supports and create new opportunities for people to live lives of purpose, connection, and belonging.
Expanding Housing Choices in Alaska
70-75%
Up to 3 out of 4 adults with I/DD live with a family caregiver, most often a parent. As caregivers age, many families worry about what will happen next. Semi-independent housing with in-home supports helps bridge the gap between family caregiving and full independence.
<15%
Thousands of Alaskan adults experience I/DD, yet fewer than 15% receive Medicaid waiver-funded long-term support services at any given time. When services are tied to individuals rather than housing, people with access to supports can remain in their homes even as their needs or providers change.
25%
State planning data indicate that approximately one in four family caregivers is age 60 or older, placing many households at risk of sudden housing and support crises. Semi-independent housing with in-home supports provides a stable option before families reach a breaking point.
Building the Future Together
Ptarmigan Commons represents a long-term investment in choice, dignity, and lifelong community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Alaska. Bringing this vision to life will require collaboration among families, people with disabilities, housing developers, service providers, tribal partners, advocates, funders, and community members who share a commitment to expanding opportunities for community living.
The life-sharing model and guiding philosophy for Ptarmigan Commons have been thoughtfully developed through years of research, learning from other successful intentional communities. As planning and development continue, we are seeking community input to strengthen implementation, build local partnerships, identify resources, and ensure the community reflects the needs of the people it is intended to serve.
Whether you attend the listening forum, share feedback, become a community partner, advocate for inclusive housing, or support the project through philanthropy, your involvement will help bring Ptarmigan Commons to life.
You're invited to attend our upcoming
Neuro-Inclusive Housing Community Forum
Thursday, August 20, 2026
5:30pm - 7:30pm AKT
In-Person at MatSu Health Foundation
777 N Crusey St, Wasilla, AK 99654
