5 Things to Know Before Starting Your Next Project

At CIL, we see every home as a doorway to opportunity — a space where people can live full, independent lives in the communities they love. That kind of vision takes planning. Successful development projects start long before construction begins, and thinking like a developer can make the difference between a project that struggles and one that thrives.

Here are five essential things to consider before you begin your next project:

Building for Belonging                                     Thinking like a developer means seeing the whole picture — people, funding, housing type, location, and design — and understanding how each piece connects. At CIL, our role is to help care providers and advocates navigate these complexities so they can focus on what matters most: supporting people to live full, meaningful lives as part of their communities.

1. Define your target population

Every successful project starts with a clear understanding of who it’s for and how many people actually fit that description in the location you’re considering. Think about ages, diagnoses, and levels of support needed, but also about demand: how many people in that area would want to live there, qualify for your program or funding source, and be able to afford the expected rent? Getting specific about your target population and market size helps shape every other decision you’ll make. 

2. Understand the funding landscape

Where will the rent come from and where will the capital come from? Many of the people CIL serves rely on state or federal funding streams, often through Medicaid, to cover services and sometimes housing. Understanding both your operating and capital funding sources, and how they interact, is critical. Is the rent you can realistically collect from your target market enough to cover debt service and operating costs, or will you need rental subsidies? If private debt or equity won’t yield sufficient returns, will public or philanthropic capital be needed? Clarifying these questions early helps ensure your project is financially sustainable. 

3. Match the housing type to the need

Different populations have different housing needs. Are you planning a community residence, individual apartments, shared living spaces, or something else entirely? Do residents require specialized accessibility features, medical accommodations, or adaptive technology? The answers will guide your design and help you plan for the right staffing model, level of privacy, and amenities.

4. Choose the right location

Location = community. Where do the people you hope to serve want to live? Are there nearby supports, transit options, and opportunities for social inclusion? The surrounding environment can impact residents’ quality of life as much as the home itself. Selecting a location aligned with your target population’s needs and preferences sets the stage for long-term success.

5. Plan the design around daily life

Finally, think about what daily life will look like inside the home. Beyond code compliance, what design elements will support residents’ independence, dignity, and well-being? That might mean wider doorways, durable finishes, quiet spaces for sensory regulation, or communal areas that encourage connection. A thoughtful design can empower people to thrive, not just get by.

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