Local man building dream home
David Maennle always wanted to be the seventh generation to live on his family’s land in the Sweetwater community of Graham County.
In a matter of months, his dream will come true.
Living independently in his own log cabin will be just one in a long litany of accomplishments that David’s mother, Becky Garland, insists “should not be possible, based on what’s on paper.”
“But David has always been able to do anything he puts his mind to,” Garland said. “People with I/DD (Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities) just do things a little differently.”
Maennle, who has Down syndrome, can list achievements that include graduating from the University Participant Program at Western Carolina University, working maintenance for Graham County EMS and living by himself in an apartment in Robbinsville with a combination of natural, paid and technology-assisted supports.
According to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, an increasing number of adults with Down syndrome are living independently. Both Maennle and his mother have long been determined that he remain in that number.
“We just never took no for an answer,” said Garland.
Maennle looks forward to moving into his own house this spring, a transition which will mark 10 years of planning and fundraising. He wants to sit on the front porch of his own cabin, drink his coffee and watch birds on the land where his great-grandfather raised a garden and tended an apple orchard.
Construction of Maennle’s eLoghome kit began this winter, with inclement weather causing delays to the foundation work. Still, Garland predicts her son will move into his new home by May.
Once Maennle has settled in, the family will throw a huge housewarming party to celebrate and thank everyone who has helped with the project. After Maennle has established his own homestead, his non-profit – David’s Vision – will shift focus to raising funds, so that other people with intellectual disabilities can have “safe, affordable, debt-free housing.”
“David always knew he wanted to live on our family’s land, but for people who aren’t sure where they want to settle, we think tiny homes will be a good option,” said Garland. “Everyone deserves a home of their own and David’s Vision is dedicated to making that happen.”