In 2024, after years of building understanding, challenging assumptions, and designing solutions, this became the year when our work fully came to life—in communities, in systems, and most importantly, in the homes of the first residents of The Kelsey.

One priority this year was expanding understanding of both the scale and urgency of the disability housing crisis and the opportunity to do better. Through advocacy, research, our Learn Center, and the Disability & Housing Narrative Change Cohort, we helped shift how disability-forward housing is understood across philanthropy, policy, and practice. By elevating disabled voices and lived experience, we continued to build visibility and momentum in places where decisions are made.

At the same time, 2024 reinforced what has always set The Kelsey apart: we execute. We do not stop at ideas or recommendations. We co-develop housing, advance real projects through complex systems, and help Technical Assistance and field partners move from intention to action. Whether through development partnerships, design standards, or policy reform, our focus remained on turning values into tangible progress that others can replicate and scale.

Most powerfully, this year marked the first time residents could truly call The Kelsey home. Seeing disability-forward housing in action—neighbors connecting, support taking root, and community forming—affirmed what we have long believed: when housing is designed for inclusion from the start, lives change. Stability grows. Possibility expands. Belonging becomes real.

That affirmed what is possible and strengthened our resolve to make disability-forward housing available to many more people. Too many individuals and families are still locked out of housing that meets their needs and honors their humanity. This work continues to change that reality.

I am deeply grateful to our team, Board, partners, and supporters for building this movement alongside us and look forward to the work we’ll continue ahead towards a disability-forward housing future.

Micaela Connery
Co-founder and CEO

The Kelsey advances disability-forward housing solutions that open doors to homes and opportunities for everyone. We both co-develop affordable, accessible, inclusive housing and lead advocacy and field-building efforts to create market conditions so inclusive housing becomes the norm. 

Disability Forward – We bring our lived experiences as disabled people and allies to everything we do. We seek to create spaces where disability is a valued part of human identity and communities. We center access, practice interdependence, and value diversity. 

Intentional – We are thoughtful, curious, and deliberate. We deeply understand the systems impacting our work and willingly learn new strategies needed to advance our mission. 

Joyful – We value joy even as we undertake serious work and challenges. We create space for ourselves and our partners to experience community, fun, purpose, and happiness.  

Radically Inclusive – We are welcoming, care-centered, and accepting. We practice hospitality and foster belonging for all people in our community and networks, across their many identities and ideas.

Groundbreaking – We pave new ways to understand and approach the work we do, unconstrained by status quo and stigma. We transparently and willingly share our knowledge with others to make more impact possible and open new opportunities.

Our team at The Kelsey continues to grow to meet the ever-evolving demand for this work. Together, we drive disability-forward housing across advocacy, development, field building, and resident services. We bring lived experiences and allyship into our work, creating spaces that honor disability as a valued part of human identity. We approach even the most serious challenges with joy, believing that meaningful work thrives when infused with purpose, fun, and community.

Our team does not do this work alone. We are endlessly grateful to our amazing Board of Directors and Advisors for guiding us and championing our work. Click here to learn more about The Kelsey team.

Advance Housing

Build new models of inclusive housing that meet immediate housing needs and demonstrate new models, opportunities, and gaps in disability-forward housing.

Build the Field

Develop and disseminate vetted playbooks, robust research, and field capacity that make inclusive housing universally understood and widely implementable.

Change Policies

Influence market conditions that unlock opportunities for inclusive housing, everywhere.

Serve Residents

Provide disability-forward resident services that promote stability, connection, and belonging through inclusive programming, personalized support, and community-centered practices.

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2024 Donors

As we reflect on 2024, it has been incredible to witness construction projects evolve into fully-leased housing communities. We are excited and honored to continue advancing a disability-forward housing future in partnership with each and every one of you who makes this work possible. Cheers to even more impact in the coming years.