Big Wave Group

MORE THAN JUST HOUSING

Big Wave is building the largest intentional community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Bay Area, and construction is underway! The project will provide a sense of community, a hub for continuing education programs and opportunities, and access to housing.

Approximately 55,000 Bay Area individuals have IDD, such as autism, Down syndrome, developmental delay, brain injury, and cerebral palsy. Their routine of school and support programs halt when they age out of high school. Their community goes away. They become isolated and lonely.  Most of them live at home and rely on their parents as caregivers, creating a crisis as they age and can no longer care for them.

Big Wave will provide access to resources, opportunities, and community for adults with IDD – a place to belong.  The Big Wave campus is located on 6.9 acres in Princeton Harbor. It will include a two-story residence that will house 38-42 adults in individual apartments with common areas for social activities.

Also on the campus is the Big Wave Farm, which served over 1,600 adults with IDD in 2024, teaching them about nutrition and how to grow food while building friendships on the Farm. Varied educational and training opportunities, such as a Culinary Academy and Day Program run by the nonprofit One Step Beyond, will be available on campus. One Step Beyond is an experienced life skills and employment training program for Bay Area adults with IDD. The Culinary Academy will teach life skills and train these adults to gain employment in the hospitality industry. The Day Program will provide education, skills development, recreation, exercise, and friendship.

Although we have begun construction, our fundraising needs remain critical. Donations will help with construction costs, build apartments for needs-based families who can’t otherwise participate, support enrichment activities for our vulnerable community, and support our all-volunteer farm. We need your help now more than ever.

We appreciate your support!

Testimonials

"It breaks my heart to watch my 26-year-old son sit at home on the couch all day while I go to work.  He has so much potential, but I feel helpless.  I wish there were more opportunities and support for him. He is lost and lonely."

Parent of special needs adult

“I am so excited to see much-needed housing options like Big Wave for our community’s diverse population coming to fruition on the Coastside.  All Coastsiders should be able to live in housing that supports their needs, keeps them safe, and brings them happiness. Housing developments that meet the needs of our vulnerable populations while providing access to all of the resources and splendor the Coastside provides, is a beautiful thing.”

Krystlyn Giedt, President and CEO Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber

“The number one worry of every special needs parent is…what happens to my child when I’m gone?  We are building Big Wave to give our son a place to live out his life, to be with his friends, to have purpose and be part of a community”

Julie Shenkman, local business owner, and most importantly, mom of Sam

“As a business owner and longtime member of this community, I’m thrilled to welcome these residents to the coast!  My family has been in this community for over 100 years…it’s time to build housing designed for this special and vulnerable group of adults.”

Joe Angelini, Owner/Broker Farmers Insurance Half Moon Bay

"The intention is to provide a home for adults with special needs, but also to provide a place where the community can engage with them, something I believe will be wonderful."

Naomi Patridge, Former Mayor Half Moon Bay

"Big Wave is a huge bonus for our community. We are one giant family on the coast and need a home for these important people, it gives them a place and a purpose."

Kelly Hoffman Davis, PTO President Farallone View School,Montara resident and small business owner