SOURCES TO GO TO FOR : FREE HELP FIXING YOUR HOME
07/28/09New information about universal design and accessibility options and plans for those of us with disabilities :http://www.disability.gov/housing/accessibility_%26_universal_design
07/07/09
Here are some of the things that you can get help with as a disabled/senior person from the National Home Modification Program : * Please note : I am not sure if this program is for both the disabled and seniors. It may be only for seniors. Please check each program that you find for your state for details.
http://www.usc.edu/dept/gero/nrcshhm/directory/"HOME MODIFICATION refers to converting or adapting the environment to make tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living. Examples of home modification include:
- Lever door handles that operate easily with a push
- Handrails on both sides of staircase and outside steps
- Ramps for accessible entry and exit
- Walk-in shower
- Grab bars in the shower, by the toilet, and by the tub
- Hand-held, flexible shower head
- Lever-handed faucets that are easy to turn on and off
- Sliding shelves and lazy susan in corner cabinet
- C or D ring handles on cabinet doors and drawers for easy gripping"
06/ 22/09
FOR NON - ELDERLY DISABLED FAMILIES : VOUCHERS TO GET OUT OF A NURSING HOME INTO YOUR OWN PLACE
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today joined President Obama's commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision by announcing rental assistance to 4,000 non-elderly families with disabilities, including 1,000 vouchers specifically targeted to those transitioning out of nursing homes and other care facilities.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=118
01/18/09
Will our new change of government be able to turn the housing situation around for the disabled , single parents , seniors , ethnic minorities and low income households ? We all hope and pray that it will .
There is a huge uphill battle ahead , but things do have to change somehow. With our new government coming up soon , we all need to pray for the people who are so courageous to take the reins with our country in such a state as it is. God Bless Barak Obama and his staff as they bravely fight the fight.Here is a "state of the housing market" as it is right now for many people in our country :
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090118/ap_on_bi_ge/housing_thirty_eight_percent
07/14/08
Here is a new source for looking for housing . It looks great ! I hope it works for you.
~ Shelter Listings is a nation-wide community effort made possible by its users.
With over 2,900 listings we depend on our visitors and volunteers to build and maintain our database. Our listings include emergency shelters, homeless shelters, day shelters, transitional housing, residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs and permanent affordable housing. We're dedicated to helping the homeless and low-income find the shelter they need
http://www.shelterlistings.org/
01/21/08
HERE is a great free downpayment program ! See if you qualify .
Congratulations on taking your first step toward owning your own home!
We'll give you 2% to 10% down payment on your home purchase, depending on your needs.
PIC is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping you become a homeowner. Our mission is to gift down payments to qualified buyers and help the community as a result. PIC provides a down payment with no repayment and no second mortgage or lien of any type. It is a true gift to you!
http://www.partnersincharity.org/new_site/
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MODIFICATION PROGRAMS AND FUNDING FOR THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED
Different types of funding programs may be available depending on the type of home modification you need. grants etc for fixing up house/apartment
help you find local hud office where you apply for help for things like roof repair/bathroom remodel (for handicap access etc income must be less then 80% of median income of area.
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ANOTHER PROGRAM ABOUT THE DISABLED AND HOUSING CHALLENGES
If our government would provide more in the way of finances for the disabled ,we wouldn't need this site. Since we do need the site , here it is :
OPENING DOORS - A HOUSING INITUATIVE FOR THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY
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Here are possible places you can look if you need help to pay for needed home modifications:
If the work is prescribed by your doctor you may be able to claim a Medical deduction on your Form 1040 income tax return.
Get contributions/donations/in-kind work from others (family members, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, other private foundations or community service groups, churches, sorority/fraternity service organizations or craftsmen's unions).
Under the Technology Related Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (Tech Act), many states have programs that offer assistance on evaluating equipment and locating funds.
Ask your local Center for Independent Living for information on funding and resources that support "independent living in the community".
Funds may be available for home modifications under a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver in your state. Contact your county welfare office for Medicaid eligibility.
Call your local Social Security office to see if any of the equipment you need might be covered under Medicare.
If you or your spouse is a veteran, call your local VA to see if funding is available.
Contact your local public housing authority (Office of Community Services, Supportive Services, Section 8, etc.). Ask, "Is there low income assistance available for housing modifications for people with disabilities?"
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HUD's National Servicing Center (Scroll down for more HUD information )
The goal of HUD's National Servicing Center is to help FHA homeowners by working with lenders to find creative solutions to avoid foreclosure. We also provide direction and training to lenders and Housing Counseling agencies, who are then better able to provide assistance to homeowners.
For assistance call toll-free (888) 297-8685
(http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/nsc/nschome.cfm)
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Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America
This is a non-profit housing services and community advocacy organization. Helps with refinancing to avoid foreclosure.
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FOR LOW INCOME , VERY LOW INCOME , AND SENIORS
Rebuilding Together's mission is to preserve and revitalize houses and communities, assuring that low-income homeowners, from the elderly and disabled to families with children, live in warmth, safety, and independence. In partnership with communities, our goal is to make a sustainable impact.
We make this impact through providing necessary repairs free of charge to existing homeowners. These necessary repairs often include home modifications, roofing, plumbing, and electrical repairs and/or improvements - our goal is to provide a warm, safe and dry environment for low-income homeowners , enabling them to live independently and with dignity.
PAGE TO FIND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU
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FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS : HELP PAYING RENT , HOUSING REPAIR ASSISTANCE AND GRANTS FOR OBTAINING A HOME
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/indiv_intro.htm
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Community Action Agencies
often help with housing needs , including weatherization and other housing repairs. Find one near you and see what they offer :
FIND A COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY NEAR YOU
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Weatherization and Weatherization Plus programs
help low income , elderly and disabled with weather proofing your home ,and some programs now include assistance with making you home a safer place to live .
Check out what is avalable in your area by using the map on this page :
GOVERNMENT WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS BY STATE
HOW DO I APPLY FOR WEATHERIZATION ?
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This is for RURAL VERY LOW INCOME only.
Please read carefully and go to the page link for complete information .
Applicant Eligibility -for LOANS and GRANTS
Applicants must own and occupy a home in a rural area;
and be a citizen of the United States or reside in the United States after having been legally admitted for permanent residence or on indefinite parole. Loan recipients must have sufficient income to repay the loan. Grant recipients must be 62 years of age or older and be unable to repay a loan for that part of the assistance received as a grant. Applicant's income may not exceed the very low-income limit set forth in RD Instructions.
VERY LOW INCOME REPAIR LOANS AND GRANTS
To find a Rural repair loan or grant near you , use the following map :
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More low income and very low income housing assistance :
RURAL HOME DOT ORG LINKS BY STATE
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HELP WITH PAYING FOR RENT IF YOU ARE NOT ELDERLY , BUT YOU ARE DISABLED
HELP PAYING RENT IF YOU ARE DISABLED
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AmeriCares HomeFront
works in certain areas in Connecticut and New York . This includes Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties in Connecticut, as well as Westchester County, NY.
HOW TO GET HELP -HOME OWNERS GUIDELINES.
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Looking For LOW INCOME Housing
"I am looking for housing that is affordable. Who can help me? As a policy advocacy organization, NLIHC is not able to provide direct assistance to people looking for affordable housing. However, there are places you can look for help.
Every member of Congress has a staff member whose job it is to assist the people they represent, that is, their constituents with issues such as the ones you are facing. This person should know the local community and how you can best go about finding the services you need.
To find your member of Congress,enter your ZIP code in the "Contact Congress" box below, or on NLIHC's home page. You will see a picture of your Representative, and under his or her picture will be a link that says info. Click that link to get the phone number of the main district office. Another link will give you the numbers of additional district offices; call the one that is nearest to you. Ask for the person who handles constituent services. Explain your situation, and ask for suggestions on how to best access affordable housing in your district. The constituent caseworker should be able to point you in the right direction or suggest resources in your area. "
Here is the site of the NLIHC , which stands for National Low Income Housing Coalition :
http://www.nlihc.org/template/page.cfm?id=51
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Another search for affordable housing , by state housing authority links .
A housing authority generally has two types of assistance available: Section 8 vouchers and affordable apartments. This is not a complete listing of all that is available in each state , but it is a place to start in your search.
http://www.affordablehousingonline.com/housingauthoritysearch.asp
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Another search for local housing agencies.
Make sure you find out if you qualify for a "housing choice voucher" which pays for 60% of your rent .
Go here to find out what a housing choice voucher is :
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/about/fact_
This site by About dot com has great information for finding affordable housing .
It also explains what the different programs are and how to apply for them . Another good page by the people at About dot com.
http://apartments.about.com/od/publichousin1/Affordable_Housing_and_Public_Housing.htm
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If you have HUD housing , or you want to find out about it , here is a page that has links for every state :
http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm
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More information about finding affordable housing(rental) , by state , county and town/city :
http://www.apartmentsmart.com/
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INFORMATION ABOUT HUD HOUSING HELP FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE DISABLED.
(Taken directly from the HUD site , which is in the public domain, as listed here http://www.hud.gov/assist/webpolicies.cfm ) :
People with Disabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learn about renting, buying and making your home accessible, and about your Fair Housing rights. Help
Renting
Buying
Home Repair Programs
Fair Housing
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The links above don't work , but you can use them as a reference for what is on the page , then click here ! :
http://www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm
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MORE POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE FOR HOUSING :
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=292&srcid=193
CO-ABODE FOR SINGLE MOMS
The CoAbode Single Mothers House Sharing can be your relief and source of support!
We present you with opportunities so you can:
afford a better house or apartment, within a safer school district
halve the cost of rent and overhead expenses, freeing up much needed resources
lighten the burden of daily chores such as cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, homework, carpooling and child supervisions so that you are less tired and stressed out and better able to provide for your kids and yourself
divorced moms can hang on to the family home by bringing in a mom roommate to help cover expenses
give those in abusive situations support and strength so they can escape knowing there is another mom there to pool resources with and get emotional support
Co-Abode site for more information and oportunities for single moms :
http://www.co-abode.com/howitworks.php
MORE HELP WITH MORTGAGE PAYMENT
HOME EQUITY LOSS PREVENTION PROGRAM (HELP)
If you are behind on your loan, a housing counselor may be able to intervene on your behalf with your lender in order to come to a resolution that will ultimately bring your loan current. Our HELP program has established relationships with 43 major lenders in the U.S. in order to better serve our clients in getting their loans out of foreclosure. Last year, we assisted over 4800 families in working out repayment plans, forbearance plans, loan modifications, refinances and partial claims, which allowed these families to keep the equity that they built in their homes!!!
Another page that has beginning information about paying for your mortgage when you have financial challenges :
http://what-do-i-do-if-i-can-t-pay-my-mortgage.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/
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FOR MORE FREE HELP AND IDEAS FOR ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE , CLICK HERE :
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