Building a Community
See how Ptarmigan Commons is being thoughtfully designed to support connection, independence, creativity, and lifelong belonging in the Mat-Su Valley
Building a Community in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley
Ptarmigan Commons is planned as an intentional, life-sharing neighborhood in the Palmer area where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can enjoy the stability of a permanent home while remaining connected to the broader Mat-Su community. Situated on approximately 10–20 acres, the community is designed to balance shared living, meaningful activity, and the beauty of Alaska's natural landscape.
The campus will feature a variety of homes designed to support changing needs over time, allowing residents to remain in the community as they age. Shared gardens, greenhouses, agricultural spaces, and animal areas will provide opportunities for learning, contribution, and daily engagement, while walking paths and open green spaces will encourage recreation, reflection, and connection to nature.
Community life will be centered around welcoming gathering spaces where neighbors can share meals, celebrate holidays and traditions, attend educational programs, and enjoy music, art, and other creative activities. Dedicated studio and workshop spaces will support artistic expression, woodworking, fiber arts, and other crafts, while a small retail space may provide opportunities to share handcrafted goods and agricultural products with the wider community.
Just as important as the campus itself is its connection to the surrounding region. Residents will continue to participate in everyday life throughout Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley through employment, volunteer service, recreation, worship, healthcare, shopping, libraries, and cultural events. Ptarmigan Commons is intended to complement—not replace—the broader community, creating opportunities for meaningful participation both within the neighborhood and beyond it.
While site planning and development will continue over time, the guiding philosophy and life-sharing model for Ptarmigan Commons have already been established through years of research, learning from successful intentional communities, and collaboration with families and partners. As implementation moves forward, ongoing conversations with future residents, families, supporters, and community organizations will help refine the campus design and ensure it reflects local needs while remaining true to its mission.
What it is
- A neighborhood of real homes designed for lifelong living
- Housing that supports a wide range of abilities and changing support needs
- Designed with accessibility, independence, and inclusion in mind
- Individualized supports that follow the person—not the home
- A community connected to the greater Mat-Su Valley
What it is not
- A licensed institution or institutional-style setting
- A traditional group home
- A one-size-fits-all housing model
- A community that relies solely on family caregiving
- An isolated campus separated from the broader community
Rooted in Alaska, Inspired by Camphill
Ptarmigan Commons draws inspiration from the international Camphill life-sharing movement while building a community uniquely suited to Alaska. Guided by Hope Community Resources' experience developing intentional communities in Kenai and Willow, the model embraces the values of shared life, meaningful work, creativity, stewardship of the land, and mutual support. Rather than replicating another community, Ptarmigan Commons is being thoughtfully adapted to reflect Alaska's people, culture, landscape, and spirit.
Connected to the Greater Mat-Su Community
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, employers, tribal partners, advocates, funders, and community organizations 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 successful intentional communities, and Hope Community Resources' experience supporting Alaskans with disabilities. 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. Together, we can create a community where adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities have opportunities to build meaningful lives, lasting relationships, and a true sense of home.
