The Haven set to expand with new property on Desoto Road

Alison Thomas, the chief operations officer, said it always has been a dream of The Haven's administration to offer a supported/independent living campus for those who don't quite fit into the group home environment.

The problem has been space.

The 32-acre campus on Desoto Road in East County opened in 1954 and has expanded throughout the years, eventually going through what Thomas called "non-stop construction" the past 10 years to meet the group home and services need. With a waiting list of 350, Thomas said it will be virtually impossible to ever meet the group home demand on the current site.

So building supported/independent living homes was out of the question. Until now.

On July 1, The Haven announced plans to build an "innovative supported living program that aims to enhance the lives of adults with disabilities." The new community, which will be located about 300 yards down Desoto Road from The Haven's main campus, will include a wide range of living options, including 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes.

The 2.23-acre parcel currently is zoned to allow up to 11 units to be built on the site. Rezoning to Residential Multiple Family-2 would allow up to 20 multifamily units on the site or up to 40 accessory dwelling units.

Thomas said she wouldn't speculate how many homes will be built on the parcel while it is going through the permitting process with Sarasota County.

"We don't want to throw a number out there," she said.

The purchase of the property was made possible by a donation from Sarasota's Karen and Steve Shapiro, who donated funds that covered the entire $1,050,000 purchase price.

Karen Shapiro said she and her husband love The Haven's vision.

"This is such a special place," she said of The Haven. "We have a child who is autistic, our son James. We've seen the struggle up close and personal. You see high-functioning people with disabilities trying to find their place in the community. You see people who are perfectly capable of working.

"The Haven wants to create a family community and provide meaningful opportunities."

Karen Shapiro said her son worked last year for Publix.

"Publix gave him an attaboy for being successful, whatever that looks like," she said. "They gave him a sense of accomplishment, and that is so meaningful. What an amazing place."

She foresees many more similar success stories in the future with the new community.

"Where does somebody like James (who is 20) live?" she asked. "What about a 29-year-old? What about a 50-year-old? These are perfectly capable people who just need a little help."

Haven CEO Brad Jones said in a release that the homes, likely duets or villas, will "be designed to face toward the center of the community to emphasize front-porch living, connecting with your neighbors, and creating a sense of community among residents."

The community will include a spacious clubhouse with a gym, game room and theatre. It will be staffed by The Haven 24 hours a day. While the emphasis will be on independent living, the residents will know they have access to a staff member whenever needed.

Thomas said she has permission from a neighbor who owns the land between the main campus and the new parcel to allow them to build a walkway that will connect the two. The new parcel is within walking distance to the Mall at University Town Center and the surrounding stores, Nathan Benderson Park, the new Mote Science Nature Aquarium, and the many restaurants in the area.

The new residents will rent or lease the homes. 

“The Haven Residences at UTC will be privately owned and operated, ensuring personalized care and a sense of ownership and independence for our residents,” Jones said in a release. 

"This will be a private pay system," Thomas said of the new residences. She said having the residents' rent paid through government or public funding has led to some restrictions that will not be in place on the new property.

She explained the need for the new homes by saying those living in the group homes generally need around-the-clock care and not everyone fits into that category.

"What we are doing on the new campus will be a little different," she said. "It is supported living, but more focused on independent living. They will get up and make their own breakfast, set up their own transportation, schedule their own social outings. This is for people who say, 'My child could live much more independently. But my child needs a little support.'

"There has been no middle ground."

Photo by Heidi Kurpiela

Thomas said, realistically, she doesn't expect to break ground on the new homes until 2026. The Haven would like to check with families interested in the new concept to make a list of needs. Then they have to navigate the permitting process.

Although no builder has been selected, Thomas said Halfacre Construction of Lakewood Ranch has handled much of the construction on the campus over the years and has been "a good friend" to The Haven.

Thomas said The Haven will need the support of the community to make the new homes accessible to all.

"We will be establishing a capital campaign," she said. "We can't give it for free."

She said the homes will be open to "adults" with an approximate starting age at 22 and up.

The main campus has residents from age 21 to their mid 80s. They have three residents who have lived on campus since 1983.

The new homes will be ADA compliant with other upgrades based on mobility needs and visual support.

New residents will be assessed on their ability to truly live independently. Although the Haven tries to prioritize those from Sarasota and Manatee counties, potential residents could come from anywhere in the country and beyond.

The Haven currently has 112 employees.

Thomas said the new space, which has a very rural feel and currently hosts horses, was a perfect spot.

"It is a big piece to create a space that feels like home," she said.

The Haven offers programs and services for individuals with disabilities. It is The Haven's goal of "creating a world where people with disabilities are included and valued members of society."

For more information on the project, or to make a capital contribution, contact Thomas at [email protected] or Jones at [email protected].