Lifelong housing for adults with special needs
The Big Wave Center is a place to belong where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can live with purpose, independence, and individual choice. Located just north of Half Moon Bay, the Big Wave Center offers lifelong housing and a sense of community, designed to help residents thrive.
The Center includes 38 apartments for adults with IDD, a game room, fitness and recreation room, commercial kitchen and dining room, welcoming outdoor courtyard for gatherings and community events, and direct access to the adjacent Big Wave Farm.
A place to live…and a place to thrive
Whether sharing a meal, celebrating with neighbors, participating in fitness or recreation activities, exploring creative interests, or simply relaxing with friends, residents choose how they spend their days. Our supported living model encourages independence, personal choice, and individual goals. Some attend the Adult Day Program or Culinary & Catering Academy operated by nonprofit One Step Beyond, Inc. Others work or volunteer in the community, pursue continuing education, or enjoy wellness, recreation, and enrichment activities on campus.
The adjacent Big Wave Farm offers opportunities to grow vegetables and flowers, care for chickens, learn about gardening and nutrition, and connect with nature. Residents can also take advantage of fitness and recreation activities, social events, and the beautiful Coastside setting, with Princeton Harbor, nearby beaches, and coastal trails just minutes away.
At Big Wave, residents have the freedom to create lives filled with purpose, connection, and belonging. Here, home is more than an apartment—it’s a place where every individual is supported in living life to the fullest.
It takes a village
The Big Wave Center is built on the belief that creating a great community takes great partners. Through collaborations with leading nonprofit organizations, residents have access to continuing education, employment pathways, wellness activities, recreation, and community engagement. Nonprofit One Step Beyond, Inc. operates the on-site Adult Day Program and Culinary & Catering Academy, giving residents the opportunity to participate in enriching activities close to home or choose the path that’s right for them.
Big Wave was created by families, for families. That spirit continues through the Big Wave Community Cooperative—a community of parents, guardians, residents, and supporters who help guide the long-term vision of the Center. Family involvement remains a cornerstone of Big Wave, and members are encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities, community events, and activities at the Big Wave Farm.
Scholarship apartments are available for eligible residents with demonstrated financial need. To request a scholarship rental application, please email scholarships@bigwaveproject.org. Please note that our spring scholarship application period has closed. Our next scholarship application period will run September 1 – December 11, 2026.
Interested in becoming part of the Big Wave community? Learn more about residency and apply for membership in the Big Wave Community Cooperative (which includes a membership fee).
