SDHP has long advocated that people with disabilities must have safe, affordable, accessible and non-segregated housing. Individuals with disabilities, like all people, are entitled to choose where and with whom they live and not be relegated to the fringes of communities or forced into institutions for lack of livable alternatives. The complexity of the housing issue for people with disabilities is and has been the main impediment to fostering greater choice. The housing issue involves more than simple shelter. People with disabilities must be given an opportunity to stay in their homes whenever home modifications are possible.

The PA Accessible Housing Program provides grants to local entities to carry out home modification programs that will enable low and moderate-income persons with permanent disabilities to make their current home more accessible. Out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania, there are twenty nine counties that do not participate in the PA Accessible Housing Program. SDHP contracts with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to provide a comprehensive home modification program to low and moderate-income Pennsylvanians with physical and sensory disabilities living in areas of the state that are not covered by the PA Accessible Housing Program.

SDHP collaborates with Residential Living Options, Inc., Center for Independent Living (CIL) of Central PA, ACTION-Housing, Inc., Life and Independence For Today (LIFT) and Voices for Independence to provide services in the counties not covered by the PA Accessible Housing Program.  Contracting agencies will provide applicants with assistance as needed in the following areas:

• Consumer information regarding alternatives to modifying their current residences
• Home modification assessments and recommendations
• Modification specifications and hiring of contractors
• Construction management
• Final inspections and close outs

Eligibility

The program assists people with permanent disabilities living in counties that have not applied for PA Accessible Housing Program funds and whose incomes fall at or below 80% of the median income or 235% of poverty level, which ever is higher, as set by HUD. An applicant must have a permanent disability that limits access to or use of the property.

The homeowner must be current with the real estate taxes and cannot be in the process of foreclosure. Applicants who rent a home or apartment must have written approval from the landlord for modifications, and a commitment to correct any code violations. PA Accessible Housing funds cannot be used to modify units owned or operated by public housing authorities or a facility licensed by the Department of Public Welfare.

Contact: Celia Michl
Program Coordinator SDHP
celia@sdhp.org