The newly unveiled apartments designed for individuals with disabilities in Jamestown.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the opening of 12 new affordable and accessible apartments in Jamestown, specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. This housing initiative is a collaborative effort between the town of Jamestown, Looking Upwards, and SWAP Inc., aimed at enhancing living opportunities for low to moderate-income residents. The apartments will support various levels of independence and inclusivity, addressing the community’s critical need for suitable housing solutions for disabled individuals and their families.
Jamestown, Rhode Island – A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for the unveiling of 12 new affordable and accessible apartments designed for individuals with disabilities. The event will occur on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at 2 Hammett Court. This housing initiative is a collaborative effort between the town of Jamestown, Looking Upwards, and SWAP Inc., marking a significant step in providing necessary living accommodations in the region.
This project is envisioned as a pilot that specifically targets residents with low to moderate incomes, offering versatile living arrangements to cater to individuals with a range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. By creating these apartments, community leaders aim to enhance the opportunities for disabled individuals and financially strapped families to live in a supportive and integrated environment.
Denise Lussier, a representative for Looking Upwards, emphasized the critical need for community-based housing solutions in Rhode Island, pointing out the limited availability of suitable accommodations for families in financial distress and those with disabilities. The development seeks to empower residents by enabling them to remain integrated within their community rather than being isolated from mainstream society.
The housing complex will feature four two-bedroom apartments and eight one-bedroom units within a renovated 5,000-square-foot structure, spread across two floors. The project has received approval from the town’s planning commission as of September 2023. This redesign aligns with the planning board’s objective to create independent homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting community integration among the residents.
The development will accommodate a total of 16 occupants. Additionally, a 30-year deed restriction has been put in place to ensure that the units remain affordable over the long term. Accessibility considerations include the addition of 26 parking spaces at the site, facilitating easier access to those living in the apartments.
The new apartments will be equipped to offer several living arrangements: fully independent living, partially supported living, and fully supported living that includes provisions for a live-in caregiver. This range of options aims to cater to the varying levels of support that residents may require, thus enhancing their overall living experience.
Looking Upwards, a nonprofit organization based in Middletown, has been a vital player in this initiative, providing social services to clients with disabilities and operating an art studio called Out of the Box. SWAP Inc., founded in Providence in 1975, has a long-standing mission to provide affordable housing and promote urban revitalization, showcasing a commitment to enhancing community living standards. Don Power, an architect from Jamestown and founding partner of Union Studio, designed the project, which includes critical renovations such as raising the roof and lifting the floors. These modifications embody the importance of adaptive reuse in reinvigorating community ties.
Notable dignitaries are anticipated to attend the ribbon-cutting event, including Congressman Gabe Amo, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Governor Dan McKee, and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. Their participation highlights the project’s significance within the broader context of housing advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities.
The apartments at 2 Hammett Court stand as a model for future housing initiatives aimed at encouraging independence and inclusion for individuals with disabilities in Jamestown and beyond. The collaborative efforts by local organizations and government actors represent a crucial advancement in meeting the housing needs of vulnerable populations.
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