Accessible housing is important for people with disabilities because it often means independence. In your neighborhood, do you know where accessible housing exists? Accessible Dreams, an organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities find and build housing, is now a partner with Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living (TRIPIL)!
Accessible housing for people with disabilities is rare and mostly limited to certain areas. “Inventory right now in the housing market for people with disabilities is zero; it just isn’t there. People with disabilities have few options, but we’re hoping to increase their choices,” Lucy Rooth, Executive Director of Accessible Dreams, said.
Lucy and TRIPIL’s Executive Director, Kathleen Kleinmann discussed affiliate options between TRIPIL and Accessible Dreams, and a meaningful partnership was created. Kathleen recognized Lucy’s knowledge on accessible housing and felt her background could assist TRIPIL’s consumers in finding solutions and resources. In addition, TRIPIL could provide Accessible Dreams the back office support, accounting services, IT services and financial support, so the organization could be self-sustaining in one year.
“Prior to the partnership, Accessible Dreams conducted research that indicated the low number of accessible homes. We identified the obstacles that are associated with accessible homes including accommodation costs and finding housing specialists to assist people with disabilities with finding accessible homes. Now by working with TRIPIL we can offer consumers both specialists and resources to meet even more of their needs to live well,” Lucy said.
“We work on an individual basis. Income, type of disability, and family size are taken into consideration when building or finding an accessible home. A budget is specifically developed for each individual case,” Lucy said.
While the organization currently assists individuals in Southwestern Pennsylvania (Westmoreland, Allegheny, Fayette, Green and Washington counties), there are plans to expand Accessible Dreams statewide. “A long range goal of Accessible Dreams is to make 10% of every community in Pennsylvania accessible for people with disabilities. We hope to accomplish that by reaching out to the community bankers, lot owners and builders to show the high need for accessible housing. We work closely with the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency and we have received positive feedback from the community,” Lucy said.
“Right now, we are in a growth stage; and the more we show the need for accessible housing, the more people will understand. We have come a long way and will continue to strive to increase inventory so people with disabilities have choices on where they live. Everyone should have the right to choose where they want to live,” Lucy added.
People in Westmoreland, Allegheny, Fayette, Green and Washington counties can contact TRIPIL for further information about Accessible Dreams at 724-223-5115.
Interested in learning more about accessible housing? Contact Living Well With A Disability at at 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL, 1-877-865-4893 or www.livingwellwithadisability.org.