Bengals' Ted Karras Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing for Adults with Disabilities

The development is the first of its kind, designed specifically for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras and his Cincy Hat Foundation have broken ground on an affordable housing development in Madisonville, Ohio. The five-unit apartment building is the first affordable housing development designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project is a partnership with The Port and the Hamilton County Landbank, taking an underutilized property and turning it into a residential community.

Why it matters

This development aims to address the critical housing needs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing them with dignified, safe, and independent living spaces. Karras' work through the Cincy Hat Foundation highlights the importance of supporting this underserved community and creating specialized housing solutions.

The details

The units in the new development will include full kitchens, laundry machines, and fully functional private living spaces. Karras stated, "For many families, the biggest question is, 'What happens next?' We want to build housing that answers that question with dignity, safety, and independence." The Cincy Hat Foundation has also previously benefitted the Village of Merici, a non-profit living community and service provider for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Karras' hometown of Indianapolis.

  • The groundbreaking for the affordable housing development took place on February 26, 2026.

The players

Ted Karras

The Cincinnati Bengals center who founded the Cincy Hat Foundation to develop affordable housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Port

A development partner for the affordable housing project in Madisonville, Ohio.

Hamilton County Landbank

A development partner for the affordable housing project in Madisonville, Ohio.

Village of Merici

A non-profit living community and service provider for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities based in Indianapolis, which has benefited from Karras' Cincy Hat Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“For many families, the biggest question is, 'What happens next?' We want to build housing that answers that question with dignity, safety, and independence.”

— Ted Karras, Founder, Cincy Hat Foundation (wlwt.com)

What’s next

The five-unit affordable housing development is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

This groundbreaking project by the Cincy Hat Foundation demonstrates a commitment to providing specialized, dignified housing solutions for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, addressing a critical need in the community.