March 3, 2016

Creating More Integrated Housing Options for People with Disabilities

Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2015 Community Outreach Report.

Virginia launched its Housing and Supportive Services (HSS) initiative to kick-start an intensive community engagement effort to further the state’s commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Olmstead decision. The goal is to support communities with the largest number of individuals impacted by the DOJ Settlement Agreement by increasing the integrated housing options available for individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (ID/DD).

VHDA is doing our part by supporting regional planning teams in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads-Peninsula, Hampton Roads-Southside and the Greater Richmond metro area through collaboration with the Virginia Departments of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Aging and Rehabilitation Services, Medical Assistance Services, and Housing and Community Development.

The initiative began in January 2015 with a meeting of stakeholders experienced in housing and supportive services. Each regional team committed to a 100-Day Challenge to run from June 5 to October 20. To date, each team has included local stakeholders and developed concrete goals. Like other such challenges, each team set ambitious goals. These goals focus on identifying those interested in housing, streamlining local processes, acquiring additional housing resources and housing individuals within a limited timeframe.

For detailed information about the HSS initiative, visit vahss.org or contact Diego Liberczuk, Housing and Supportive Services Program Manager, Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources at Diego.Liberczuk@governor.virginia.gov.

To learn more about how VHDA supports the creation of affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, contact Director of Community Housing Beth Seward at 804-343-5615 or Elizabeth.Seward@vhda.com.

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