BOSTON— In a significant step forward for inclusive housing, Rockland Trust has announced $28.6 million in financing for the Corporation for Independent Living (CIL), a nonprofit developer focused on housing solutions for individuals with disabilities. The investment will support the development, acquisition, and renovation of specialized group homes across Massachusetts and beyond.
The financing package is split into two parts: a $20.1 million loan to fund the construction of fifteen customized group homes throughout Massachusetts, and an $8.5 million loan to support broader national initiatives, including acquisition, renovation, and construction of community-based homes in collaboration with nonprofit service providers.
“This is more than just a loan,” said David Semenza, Commercial Banking Officer at Rockland Trust. “It is a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities for all of our neighbors. We are grateful for this opportunity and proud to support CIL’s mission.”
A Vision for Inclusive, Community-Based Living
Founded in 1991 by service providers who believed that every person deserves a home and a place in the community, CIL has since become a leading developer of disability-focused housing in the Northeast. The organization has built over 2,700 homes in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and several other states, supporting more than 8,700 individuals.
This latest round of financing will enable CIL to build group homes that each house four to six individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or acquired brain injuries. The homes are designed to offer non-institutional, supportive environments tailored to the needs of residents, promoting independence, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
The fifteen homes funded through the Massachusetts portion of the loan will be located in the towns of Agawam, Amherst, Chelmsford, Dighton, Easthampton, Framingham, Middleborough, Rehoboth, Scituate, South Hadley, Springfield, Wareham, Williamsburg, and Wilmington.
A National Expansion and Strategic Partnership
The additional $8.5 million loan marks a turning point for CIL, allowing the organization to expand its work nationwide. “This bond represents the start of a strong new partnership with Rockland Trust,” said Maria Green, Chief Financial Officer at CIL. “The inclusion of a Debt Service Reserve Fund represents a thoughtful shift in how we approach bond structuring, and we’re grateful to Rockland Trust for their collaboration and commitment to our mission.”
This strategic funding model supports CIL’s broader goal of becoming a national leader in disability housing development, offering its expertise and services across the continental United States in partnership with local nonprofit providers.
Meeting Urgent Demand
The need for inclusive, community-based housing for individuals with disabilities continues to grow, and CIL is helping to meet that demand with a model that centers on dignity, support, and integration.
