NEWS FROM PATHFINDER By Melissa Fortson HOUSING OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Below are examples of housing options for people with disabilities. Contact Pathfinder for other ideas or specific program information. Privately owned subsidized housing. The government gives funds directly to apartment owners, who lower the rents they charge low-income tenants. These low-rent apartments are for senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as for families and individuals. To apply, visit the management office for the apartment(s) that interest you. To find participating apartments, contact the local public housing authority. (Visit the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) at http://www.hud.gov/renting/ for more information.) Public housing. These are multifamily units, subsidized for people with disabilities who meet income requirements. To apply, contact the local public housing agency. Section 8 rental assistance (voucher) program. This program allows very low-income persons to choose and lease affordable privately-owned rental housing. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects. To apply, contact the local public housing agency or Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) office that administers the program. These agencies also can provide a list of participating properties. (Visit the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) at http://www.hud.gov/renting/ for more information.) USDA Rural Development. This entity offers housing loans, low-interest mortgages and home rehabilitation grants and loans for persons meeting income guidelines. RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: TENNESSEE HOUSING RESOURCES These housing-related resources—and more!—can be found on the Pathfinder Web site at www.familypathfinder.org . ACCESSIBLE BUILDING CONSORTIUM A Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) that contracts with Metropolitan Nashville government to build affordable, accessible housing for older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers who meet income requirements. Phone: (615) 206-7321 Email: accessiblebuilders@comcast.net Web: www.accessiblebuilders.org SELF-HELP BOOKLETS The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands publishes free, easy to read legal help booklets. Booklets address applying for low cost housing, renter’s rights and more. The booklets are available on the Legal Aid Society’s Web site at http://www.las.org (click on “Self Help Booklets”) or by calling 1-800-238-1443. Tennessee CREATING HOMES INITIATIVE The “Housing Within Reach” Web site provides information about housing options for people with mental health and co-occurring disorders. Housing resources for consumers and developers, consumer rights and other housing issues are addressed. Web: http://www.housingwithinreach.org Tennessee HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION A statewide agency charged with preventing and eradicating discrimination in employment and housing. Contact the Commission for information about Fair Housing or if you feel your rights have been violated. Phone: (800) 251-3589 • Web: www.state.tn.us/humanrights Tennessee MANUFACTURED HOUSING ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION Provides assistance to owners of manufactured homes, including the repair, improvement and sometimes replacement of manufactured homes. Phone: 800-989-8642 Email: tnmhf@bellsouth.net • Web: http://www.tnmha.org/ UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF MIDDLE Tennessee Builds ramps and collaborates with agencies, church and civic volunteers, and other groups to construct wheelchair ramps for individuals with mobility disabilities whose homes are without proper accessibility. Phone: 615-242-4091 Email: request@ucpnashville.org • Web: http://www.ucpnashville.org/ Tennessee Disability Pathfinder has phone, Web and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers and advocates. Pathfinder is a joint project of the TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES and the VANDERBILT KENNEDY CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Tennessee Disability Pathfinder English & Español (615) 322–8529 (800) 640–4636 TTY/TDD users: please dial 711 for free relay service www.familypathfinder.org tnpathfinder@vanderbilt.edu Melissa Fortson is information & referral specialist/program coordinator with Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.