Providing Opportunities for Independent Living!
A home of one’s own – either rented or owned – is the cornerstone of independence for people with disabilities. Being part of the community and living as independently as possible are among the most important dreams and goals shared by people with disabilities, their families, and advocates.
Project FREE will develop attractive, affordable housing with a mix of owner and renter occupied units as part of the Freedom Village vision. All housing will be supported by a comprehensive program of educational, social and vocational services critical for self-sufficiency. Freedom Village will be centrally located within walking distance of lively commercial districts and direct access to public transportation and the world beyond!
Across the nation, people with intellectual, developmental and related disabilities face a severe crisis in the availability of decent, safe, affordable, and accessible housing. Today many still live in large congregate facilities or other inappropriate places like institutions. More than 700,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with aging parents (at least one of whom is over age 65) and have few future residence options.
The affordability gap for people with disabilities has exponentially worsened in recent years. According to Priced Out in 2008, on a national average, millions of Americans with disabilities who rely on federal monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for all their basic needs would have to pay 112.1 percent of their entire monthly income to rent a modest one-bedroom unit. The cost of renting an even smaller studio/efficiency unit would be 99.3% of monthly SSI. Either figure places these individuals in situations where they are depenedent upon goverment subsidy programs for basic esstentials of utilities, food and transportation.
Project FREE is committed to making independent life possible for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Asperger’s and Down Syndrome. Helping ease the critical need for attainable housing is an essential element of our mission. You can be part of this worthy project. See some suggestions on how you can help on our ‘Ways to Help’ and ‘Donate’ pages.
