TACOMA, WA – Open Door for Multicultural Families is proud to announce the strategic launch of its expanded Housing & Economic Stability Team through a new partnership with Mercy Housing at two Tacoma-area properties. This expansion reflects ODMF’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families have access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to achieve long-term stability and well-being.
By bringing services directly into affordable housing communities, ODMF and Mercy Housing are creating more accessible pathways to housing stability, economic mobility, community connection, and self-determination. The partnership is designed to reduce barriers to services while strengthening support systems for residents and families throughout Pierce County.
The Housing & Economic Stability Team works to empower individuals and families through personalized, culturally responsive support. Services available through the partnership will include:
- Health navigation, including support for chronic health conditions
- Medicaid and Apple Health enrollment assistance
- Employment coaching and career development support
- Resume building and job readiness services
- Benefits navigation, including SNAP, TANF, SSI, and SSDI
- Financial coaching and economic stability planning
- School enrollment assistance, childcare navigation, and IEP support
- Life skills development and community-building activities
- Discounted ORCA card resources and transportation support
- Individualized support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family caregivers
This expansion reflects ODMF’s vision that all culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, along with their families, can thrive in an inclusive society of their own design. Through this strategic partnership, ODMF is extending its reach and deepening its impact in communities where equitable access to resources can make a profound difference.
“When we center equity, we shift from asking families to navigate complex systems alone to building systems that are responsive, accessible, and rooted in community,” said Angela Weikel, Program Manager for Open Door’s Housing & Economic Stability Team.
“Our partnership with Mercy Housing is about more than service delivery. It is about creating environments where culturally and linguistically diverse families, including those supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have the tools, support, and opportunities to achieve stability, build wealth, and thrive. Together, we are investing in communities where everyone belongs and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
Open Door for Multicultural Families believes that sustainable housing and economic security are foundational to healthy, thriving communities. By combining housing-based support with resource navigation, employment services, financial coaching, and disability-informed expertise, the organization is creating a more holistic approach to supporting residents and families.
About Open Door’s Housing & Economic Stability Team
The Housing & Economic Stability Team is dedicated to helping individuals and families with disabilities achieve greater independence, stability, and well-being by connecting them with essential resources and personalized support. The team focuses on empowering families through access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing opportunities while strengthening pathways to economic success and community inclusion.
Contact
Angela Weikel
Program Manager, Housing & Economic Stability Team
Email: angelaw@opendoorswa.org