Inspired by his brother Jeremy, who has Down syndrome, Nathaniel Diskint formed Cohome, a nonprofit based in Morristown, New Jersey, to create a home where Jeremy could live independently among adults with all abilities. Nate's vision was to create a place where adults with disabilities or seeking finanical housing support could live together in a shared setting, with everyone contributing to create a sense of community.
Removing the Disability Stereotype and Creating Community
The latest project for Cohome is in Morristown and required a major renovation of a Victorian-style home in need of repair. The home is under renovation to become a 10-person shared home, where occupants have their own rooms with shared bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas. The lower floor features 2,275 square feet of retail space that could potentially provide employment opportunities for residents.
Diskint explains that there's a belief that individuals with disabilities need clinical services, but as he says, "There's just a lot of normal people out there who also happen to have Down syndrome or autism or cerebral palsy or whatever it is, and they deserve the same rights as the rest of us to live in very normal settings involved in their communities."
The organization partnered with New Jersey Community Capital, a nonprofit community development financial institution committed to advancing opportunities in underserved communities, to secure a mortgage to purchase the home, but Cohome was relying on community support to help cover the costs of the renovations.
A Network of Support Leads to a New Roof
Diskint says the home will serve as a community center with many visitors participating in educational activities, shared meals and/or other activities. That is exciting, however there was one problem- the roof.
"Having an amazing program is great, and we're really grateful to have won awards and get funding for that," he says, "but it doesn't matter how great your program is if you have a bucket in the hallway."
According to Diskint, their network is strong, and when one of the occupant's parents heard about the need for a new roof, he reached out to a friend who is a Territory Manager for GAF. After learning about the GAF Community Grant program, Cohome knew they needed to apply for support.
Diskint explains, "When [the parent] learned we were looking at getting a new roof, he said, 'Let me see if I can connect with this guy and if something can happen here—and knowing you're just down the road from us, it will be cool to connect.'"
A Community Comes Together to Help
The need for a new roof was quickly addressed through the GAF Community Matters initiative, which led to the donation of GAF Camelot® II shingles to restore the historic Victorian home. The shingles were selected in consultation with the project's architect to maintain the building's historical character.
"It kind of mirrors slate," explained Scott Boan, owner of Vanguard HRG, the company who led the installation. "The architect was sent over a few GAF options... and they thought this was the one that worked best."
Working on the 1880s structure in Morristown's historic district presented unique challenges, including dealing with the original construction. "All day," the contractor noted when asked about challenges. "Pretty much everything we get into has been a challenge. The chimneys have been a challenge, the two-layer roof with no plywood underneath, no tongue and groove-that's how they used to do it."
To balance modern roofing standards with maintaining the home's character, the team worked to incorporate traditional elements. "We try to use historic materials, materials they've used in the past- like copper," he said. "The Camelot® II shingles have a distinct older look to them. Copper is used in the valleys and around the pipe boot."
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
When asked about how Cohome decided on the location in Morristown, just down the road from the GAF headquarters, Diskint explains the factors considered.
This includes being centrally located, walkability to grocery stores, coffee shops, places of work, and the community infrastructure. Morristown scored high marks in all those areas.
It's also important for residents to easily take advantage of community offerings, and this historic home was central to so much.
When asked about working on a home that serves as a model for disability inclusion, Boan reflected on the home's purpose: "We're grateful to be working on the house and helping out. Seeing the residents get in and out of their cars every day, having a place where they can be an individual, call home, and not have to rely on someone else to take care of them, truly warms my heart."
There is special meaning in this project for Jeremy, who simply stated, "It's my home and I love it."
Cohome began restoration after working out a deal with the owner and began the lengthy repair process. Thanks to support from community members like GAF, Cohome will soon realize its vision of providing inclusive and equitable housing for individuals of all abilities.
Learn more about how GAF supports communities where team members live and work through the GAF Community Matters initiative.
