Casa Familia: After its opening, residents share their experience (includes video story)

Amid rising living costs, Casa Familia — a nonprofit organization — is working to make housing affordable for people with disabilities.

Founded in 2015, Casa Familia opened a new housing building on March 18 for adults with intellectual, developmental and other related disabilities.

“Residents are only paying 30% of their total income in rent,” said Suzi Main, the philanthropy and engagement director of Casa Familia. “The rest of the rent is paid through Florida Housing Authority.”  

The new building was also designed to encourage social engagement where residents can share common spaces and activities, avoiding isolation. 

“It is another step in my life, where I can get to know people,” said resident Khyari Atwell. 

Patricia Varas is a graduate student in the Spanish-language journalism master’s program at Florida International University. She majored in political science and minored in communications at Florida Atlantic University. She loves to cover breaking news, entertainment and sports, and hopes to pursue a career as a multimedia journalist, anchor, or TV host.