My advice is to start early, even if you and your loved one are not ready to make a move yet. Start by paying attention to waitlist openings in your area and apply as soon as they open. You can sign up on Affordablehousing.com to be notified when your local housing authority opens their waitlist.
To be eligible for a preference for Section 8, rent should be at least 50% of the monthly income.
DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can help with food costs. Use this SNAP state directory (fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory) to connect with the program in your state. Once your loved one is 18 and paying rent, they are considered the head of their own household. This is important to remember as your loved one transitions to adulthood, and you begin applying for benefits for them as an adult.
START SEARCHING FOR COMPATIBLE FAMILIES AND POTENTIAL ROOMMATES
Most young people, regardless of ability or special needs, have roommates when they move out of their family home. By sharing the cost of housing and services with compatible roommates, a Shared Living solution for your loved one will be more affordable. Roommates with common interests and lifestyles also offer friendship, which can prevent loneliness and isolation. You might start by looking at friends your loved one may know in community programs, school or work.
Most young people, regardless of ability or special needs, have roommates when they move out of their family home. By sharing the cost of housing and services with compatible roommates, a Shared Living solution for your loved one will be more affordable. Roommates with common interests and lifestyles also offer friendship, which can prevent loneliness and isolation. You might start by looking at friends your loved one may know in community programs, school or work.
BEGINNING THE TRANSITION TOWARD INDEPENDENCE
While taking care of the details of applying for benefits, getting your finances in order and searching for roommates, don't lose sight of the big picture. The reason you are going through all of this is to help your loved one launch into a meaningful, more independent life.
Remember, housing isn't just about bricks and mortar. Encourage your loved one to get involved in meaningful community activities before moving out. Help your loved one think about volunteer opportunities or find community groups to join. Guide your loved one on using public transportation to get around town. Make time to explore the community and help your loved one find ways to engage. When it's time for your loved one to move into the new Shared Living home, you will all feel that much more confident. •
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pam founded Partners4Housing to empower families of people with IDD to create Shared Living solutions. An acknowledged expert in the field of special needs housing, Pam was a 2007 "Friends of Housing" Award Honoree. As housing coordinator in Seattle, she helped more than 450 people with IDD move into housing over a 5-year period. Her in-depth working knowledge helps people navigate SSI, SSDI, State Residential Support, Medicaid-funded personal care services, supported employment income, and Section 8 housing subsidies. To learn more about housing options, benefits, and finding compatible roommates, our Benefits and Housing Review is a great first step!
