Students and their families from Norfolk Public Schools recently visited Market Heights Apartments as part of the school division’s annual services expo bus tour, connecting young adults with disabilities to resources that support independent living after graduation.
Key Highlights:
· Market Heights Apartments was selected as a featured stop on Norfolk Public Schools’ annual services expo tour for students with disabilities
· The apartment community includes accessible apartments, and supportive services provided by Hope House Foundation, designed to enable independent living
· Lawson partners with Hope House Foundation to provide on-site, supportive services for residents with disabilities and mobility impairments
· The tour connects students and families with real-world resources and housing options to help students live and work independently after high school
Located in Norfolk’s St. Paul’s District, Market Heights Apartments is a 164-unit affordable housing community developed and managed by Lawson. The community includes accessible apartments and a unique partnership with Hope House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides wraparound services for individuals with disabilities.
Through this partnership, residents who may otherwise face barriers to living independently have access to on-site support tailored to their individual needs.
“This was a meaningful opportunity to welcome students and families into Market Heights and show what independent living can look like with the right support systems in place,” said Austin Pittman, Vice President of Development for Lawson. “Our partnership with Hope House Foundation allows us to go beyond housing by providing services that empower residents to live with greater independence and confidence.”
The Norfolk Public Schools tour is designed to help students and their families explore options for housing, employment, and community involvement after graduation. For many attendees, the visit to Market Heights offered a tangible vision of what the next chapter could look like.
“We are incredibly grateful for partners like Lawson who are committed to creating inclusive housing opportunities,” said Susan Henderson, Associate Executive Director of Hope House Foundation. “By combining affordable housing with on-site supportive services, we’re helping individuals build the skills and confidence they need to live independently and thrive in the community.”
In addition to accessible housing, the partnership ensures that residents have assistance with essential life skills, such as budgeting, transportation, healthcare coordination, and daily living activities.
Lawson’s involvement in the tour reflects its broader commitment to creating housing solutions that serve diverse community needs.
“Experiences like this tour are critical in helping students and families understand what’s possible after graduation,” said Sarah Bernier, Lawson Vice President and Director of Property Operations. “Seeing a community like Market Heights firsthand, and meeting the partners who provide support, helps make the transition to independent living feel achievable.”
