June 12, 2009 was a big day for 19-year-old Tyler. Not only did he graduate from Salisbury High, but he also moved into his own apartment. He works part-time at a nearby restaurant, and enjoys hosting his parents and brother, as well as his pastor’s family, for dinner. Tyler has a developmental disability, and until fairly recently, a group home may have been his only housing option once he became an adult and moved out of his parent’s home.
David moved in next door on the same day. Though he is 50, he had been living with his elderly parents because he couldn’t find an affordable, wheelchair-accessible apartment. His new apartment features wider doorways, lowered countertops, and a roll-in shower, all of which allow David a greater measure of independence.
People with disabilities like Tyler and David are typically priced out of the housing market and left with inappropriate or unsafe housing options. Without affordable rental options, many people with developmental disabilities remain at home with aging caregivers or move into group homes, even though they do not need this level of supervision. Still others resort to adult care homes, which are often inappropriate as these homes are not designed to meet their needs.
Founded in 1953, The Arc of NC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing for all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to realize their goals and choose where and how they learn, live, work and play. For many years, The NC Housing Coalition has been an invaluable partner in expanding the range of affordable housing choices available to people with disabilities.
Tyler and David live in a new supportive housing project developed by The Arc of NC using the HUD 811 Supportive Housing Program and the NC Housing 400 Program. Created in 2006, the Housing 400 Program finances independent and supportive living units for people with disabilities. The Coalition advocated for both of these programs, and is working to expand the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which will also help mitigate the growing housing crisis for people with disabilities.
The strong advocacy work of the NC Housing Coalition is crucial to increasing the supply of affordable, accessible housing so that David, Tyler and others can fulfill their dream to live as equal partners and valued members of our community. We applaud the Coalition for its work and encourage you to support and further the Coalition’s work by becoming a member or making a personal contribution today.
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