Community Living and Accessible Housing

• The MO Inclusive Housing Solutions Network Meeting will gather DMH Regional Housing Teams, housing professionals, as well as self-advocates and their families to support the development of regional housing teams and a statewide housing network on April 24-25, 2013 at STONEY CREEK INN, COLUMBIA, MO. For more details and registration information, go to http://bit.ly/moinclusivehousing. Click here for a brochure you may print/distribute.

Accessible housing is one of the priorities of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Community Living Coordinators are available in each regional office to provide technical assistance regarding affordable, accessible housing and other community living issues to individuals, families, providers and support (aka service) coordinators. For more information regarding the role of the Community Living Coordinators, click here. To view a slide show about the role of the Community Living Coordinator, click here.

There is a integral link between self-determination and housing. Understanding the link between self determination and housing is critical if we are to move forward in our vision that individuals truly have control over their own lives.

In 2012, the Division of Developmental Disabilities developed the following Division Housing Plan:

Mission: To develop quality, affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities in safe locations where they can access support services, transportation, employment, and recreation throughout their lifespan.

Guiding Principles:

• Housing is separate from services.
• New homes are built using universal design principles.
• Individuals live in homes designed to meet their needs throughout the aging process.
  Individuals/families receive services they need where they live.
• Density of homes designed specifically for individuals with disabilities will be considered in the planning of new development.
• Individuals/families are integrated into their communities.
• Individuals/families participate in designing their own homes.
• Individuals/families live in communities that are safe.
• Individuals/families live in homes they can afford.
• Individuals/families make informed choices about purchasing or renting their homes.
• Individuals/families are in control of their home environments.

Goals:

• The Division of Developmental Disabilities will work in partnership with Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corp to increase housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities in the State of Missouri.
• Regional Offices will develop a Regional housing plan to meet the housing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities in their area.
• Regional Offices will participate in/develop local housing teams to enhance community awareness of the housing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, and develop partnerships to cooperatively address those needs.
• Regional Offices will work with providers, landlords, and developers to ensure that individuals/guardians are in control of their home environments through making choices about where they will live, signing their own leases, and ensuring that the provision of services is separated from choice of housing.
• The Division of Developmental Disabilities will increase the awareness of housing issues experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities within the internal DMH structure as well as with external partners, stakeholders, and the community at large.

Additional Resources and Tools:

It’s My Home:  A Guide for Individuals and Families to Understand the Division of Developmental Disabilities’ Housing Initiative:  This guide provides information about the Division’s Housing Plan, and what the guiding principles mean for individuals and families. Online viewing

Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation: This web site is designed to provide information about accessible and affordable housing in Missouri for persons with developmental disabilities.

Money Follows the Person: The overall goal of MFP is "to support people who have disabilities and those who are aging to move from a nursing facility or habilitation center to a quality community setting that meets their needs and wants."

Housemate Compatibility Tool: This tool may help an individual find a housemate that has similar interests.

Success Stories:

• March 2012: Northwest Community Services Successful Transitions Brochure
• Stories of Successful Transitions: A Marshall Hab Center Publication - October 2012
• Stories of Successful Transitions: A Marshall Hab Center Publication - September 2011
• There’s No Place Like Home:  The Story of Home Owners, Richard and Bertha
• DDRB Transition Success Brochure