Project Independence will hold a gala cocktail night at the National Arboretum this month to raise funds for more homes for Canberrans with intellectual disability.

The not-for-profit social enterprise helps residents live independently and buy equity in their own homes over time, using their Disability Support Pension.

The organisation was founded in 2012 by Canberra businessman and philanthropist Glenn Keys AO, whose son has an intellectual disability.

“Families were asking a simple but powerful question: ‘What will happen to my son or daughter when I’m no longer here?’” CEO Michael Claessens said.

To answer that question, Project Independence has built 30 units in Latham, Phillip, and Harrison since 2014. Each development has 10 residents in separate apartments. Live-in coordinators and an operations supervisor look after the residents.

The homes are open-plan and accessible, with large common areas and private balconies or patios.

Mr Claessens said the model offers a unique “pathway to home ownership and independent living for people with intellectual disabilities”.

“Residents gain confidence, life skills, and greater independence, while families gain peace of mind knowing their loved one has a secure future and a place to call their own.”

But there are 57 people on Project Independence’s waitlist — and the number is growing. The gala event aims to raise between $1 million and $5 million to help the organisation expand to 90 units.

“The need is incredibly urgent,” Mr Claessens said. “Behind every number is a person and a family looking for certainty about the future.

“There are many more families who would benefit from our model if we had the capacity to support them. The reality is that suitable, affordable, and independent housing options for people with intellectual disabilities remain extremely limited.

“That’s why expansion isn’t simply a goal for us — it’s a necessity.”

Without suitable independent housing, people with intellectual disabilities may have few options beyond living with ageing parents, entering group homes, public or community housing, boarding houses, unaffordable private rentals, or aged care.

Nationally, only 0.1 per cent of rental listings are affordable and suitable for a single person on the Disability Support Pension. Nearly 782,000 Australians aged under 65 have a mild or moderate intellectual disability, and 45,000 more are expected to need accommodation within five years.

The event on Saturday 27 June will include food, wine, and cocktails; an auction with 50 items donated by Canberra businesses; and talks by residents. ABC presenter Adrienne Francis will speak, and the Kokoloco Dance Studio will perform.

Members of the public can support the fundraiser by buying tickets, donating auction items, making a cash donation, or volunteering on the night. Donations to Project Independence are tax deductible.

“Every dollar raised helps create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to live independently, own their homes, and participate fully in their communities,” Mr Claessens said.

Independence Illuminated: A Night of Celebration and Impact will be held at 6pm on Saturday 27 June at The Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra. Tickets cost $199. More information online.