Communitities Are Stronger When They Include Everyone
If WeBUILT Wilkes sounds like the community you or your loved one has been waiting for, we'd love to hear from you. Here's what you need to know about residency.
Who WeBUILT Wilkes Serves
WeBUILT Wilkes is designed for adults aged 18 and older of all abilities who seek a more predictable, supportive environment and desire greater independence with safe social activities.
Ideal Residents:
- Can manage some time alone or bring personal support services
- Want to develop or maintain independent living skills
- Seek social connection with others who understand their experiences
- Desire more independence
- Need a sensory-friendly, predictable environment to thrive
Capacity and Community Mix
WeBUILT Wilkes will house:
- 22 residents in individual private homes
- 1 live-in community manager providing on-site support
- LivingHope office supporting operations
The community accommodates a mix of individuals working inside and outside the community. Some residents will hold jobs in North Wilkesboro and surrounding communities. Others will participate in day programs. What everyone shares is a desire to live in support of others.
What's Included
Residents at WeBUILT Wilkes enjoy:
Your Private Home
- Complete residential unit with kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom and front porch
- Sensory-friendly design features
- Personal outdoor space
- Ability to bring your own furnishings and decor
Community Support
- Live-in community manager available 24/7
- Activities coordinator planning social events and outings
- Chef preparing evening meals (optional participation)
- Maintenance staff keeping property safe and functional
Daily Living
- Evening meal in community center
- Utilities included
- Security and internet included
- Access to community center and all activities
- Support staff available when needed
Community Life
- Monthly friendship groups
- Social activities and outings
- Holiday celebrations and special events
- Access to Yadkin River Greenway
- Integration into North Wilkesboro and surrounding communities
Bringing Your Own Support
Residents, who require support, can bring personal support services with them to the community. This can include care received through Medicaid waiver services, private support staff, personal care attendants, and any specialized services specific to individual needs.
The flexible structure of WeBUILT accommodates varying levels of support, allowing residents to access the care they need while maintaining maximum independence.
Application Process
We Are Currently Accepting Applications
Interested families should begin by emailing
What to Expect:
- Initial Inquiry: Email us to express interest and ask questions
- Conversation: We'll discuss your needs, interests, and whether WeBUILT Wilkes is a good fit
- Application: Complete a formal application when you're ready
- Review: Our team reviews applications considering compatibility and community fit
- Ongoing Communication: We'll keep you updated on construction progress and move-in timelines
This is an intentional community. We consider compatibility, shared interests, and how residents will connect with each other—not just availability.
Timeline
Current Status: Fundraising is currently underway to support our 5.7 million capital construction budget.
Next Steps: Groundbreaking will begin once sufficient funds are secured for construction.
We're working diligently to make this dream a reality as quickly as possible. Families who apply now will be among the first to move in when construction is complete.
Friendship Groups: Building Community Now
Even before WeBUILT Wilkes opens, we're fostering community through monthly friendship groups meeting on the third Thursday of every month.
"We've already had a friendship group that's been meeting for months, the third Thursday of every month, and it has been so good for them. They've made friends."
— Tabitha Hudler
These gatherings allow future residents to form genuine connections before move-in. If you're interested in participating, reach out to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
WeBUILT stands for "We Build Unique Independent Lives Together"—our mission in five words. WeBUILT is a proven intentional model which originated in Clackamas, Oregon where adults of all abilities own equal shares in a community designed specifically for their needs. The model emphasizes independence with available support, sensory-friendly design, and genuine community connection.
WeBUILT Clackamas in Oregon—a thriving community that welcomed first residents in 2019 and achieved financial self-sustainability within five years. That success story proved this model works.
1478 Willow Lane in the West Park area of North Wilkesboro, NC—adjacent to the Yadkin River Greenway near Cook Sporting Goods.
The location offers beautiful land, community support, access to the Greenway, and everything needed to make this project successful.
WeBUILT Wilkes includes a live-in community manager (available 24/7), activities coordinator, and maintenance staff. Support is available when needed without constant supervision.
Eight triplex homes (providing 24 individual private homes) arranged around a central community center. Twenty-two units will house residents, one will house the live-in community manager, and one will serve as the LivingHope office.
WeBUILT Wilkes serves adults aged 18 and older of all abilities who seek greater independence in a supportive, sensory-friendly environment. Residents should be able to manage some time alone or bring personal support services with them.
Yes. Each resident has a complete private living unit with a kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom and front porch. It's your home, decorated and arranged however you want.
Residents can bring their own support services through Medicaid waiver programs or private care. Our flexible model accommodates varying levels of support.
No. WeBUILT Wilkes is fundamentally different from traditional group homes. Every resident has their own complete private home—not just a bedroom. You control your schedule, your space, and your choices. Support is available when needed but not imposed constantly. Your home is designed just for you and your unique needs and interests.
WeBUILT Wilkes provides private homes (not just bedrooms), resident ownership through an LLC structure, sensory-friendly design, and intentional community. Residents control their schedules and spaces while having support available when needed.
Yes. We offer monthly friendship groups (already meeting on the third Thursday of each month), evening community meals, organized activities and outings, hobby groups, holiday celebrations, and access to the Yadkin River Greenway. Participation is encouraged but always optional.
Absolutely. Many residents will work in Wilkes County businesses or volunteer in the community. This is encouraged and supported.
Residents pay a modest monthly residence fee that covers evening meals, utilities, security, internet, staff support, and most activities. The specific amount will be determined as construction progresses. For current information, contact
WeBUILT Wilkes is designed for aging in place. As needs change over time, the flexible structure accommodates adjustments without requiring relocation.
We're currently in the fundraising phase. Groundbreaking will begin once we secure sufficient funds for construction. We're working as quickly as possible to make this happen. Families applying now will have priority as we approach completion.
Email
Yes. While we're focused on meeting a local need, we accept applications from any family who believes WeBUILT Wilkes is the right fit.
We're accepting applications now. Early applicants will have priority as we approach completion.
Yes. Contact us to schedule a visit to see the land and discuss the project. Email
Take the Next Step
If WeBUILT Wilkes sounds right for you or your loved one, don't wait.
Email
Phone: Susie Lyall: 336-877-0105 | Eric Clement: 940-391-8575
"Having my own space, at least having friends, being part of a good community."
— Trent, Prospective Resident
Your independence starts here.