Bulletins

Finding safe, affordable housing can take time and planning. This bulletin highlights programs and resources that may help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families explore rental assistance, homeownership, energy assistance and options for living more independently.

Statewide Housing Resources‍

HUD Rental Assistance

Rental assistance to low-income individuals is available two ways:

• Section 8 rental assistance vouchers. These vouchers can be used anywhere a landlord accepts Section 8 assistance.
• Location-based subsidized apartments.

Both types of rental assistance are provided under Housing & Urban Development. VIsit their website to learn more about rental assistance, home ownership, and to find the location of your Public Housing Agency.

Here to Home Program

The Here to Home program provides down payment assistance for low-to-moderate income individuals with disabilities (or families which include individuals with disabilities) seeking to own a home.

Home Ownership Resource Center

The Washington Homeownership Resource Center (WHRC) offers resources for first-time homebuyers, current homeowners, and homeowners who may be facing foreclosure.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families keep their heat on, especially those that are most vulnerable, such as the elderly, the disabled and young children.

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Location Specific Housing Resources

PC2's Housing Program

Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2) helps people with developmental disabilities and their families in Pierce County pursue homeownership through education, counseling, down payment assistance and ongoing support.

Parkview Services

Parkview Services provides affordable housing and homeownership support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across Washington, with rental housing in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Thurston counties.

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Housing Supports and Toolkits

Partners4Housing: Benefits and Housing Review

Partners4Housing is offering free benefits and housing review thanks to generous funding from the Dan Thompson Memorial Fund. Accessing this review will include an online questionnaire, a review of benefits, 1-hour consultation to discuss housing options and tips for accessing benefits, and access to their roommate matching pool (by invitation). This review is available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are 17 and older.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program helps low-income older adults stay safely and independently in their homes through personalized assessments, home repairs, accessibility modifications and connections to community supports; services vary by local Habitat affiliate. Find your local Habitat for Humanity.

PEACE NW’s HOME Toolkit

PEACE NW’s HOME Toolkit helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families explore housing options, plan for support and accessibility needs, budget, prepare to move and maintain a successful home.

SafeinHome

SafeinHome provides 24/7 remote support and assistive technology to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independently and safely at home and in their communities.

Section 8 Made Simple

Section 8 Made Simple is a step-by-step guide to the Housing Choice Voucher program that explains eligibility, applications, reasonable accommodations, rent calculations and how to find and keep housing.

Legal Assistance from Northwest Justice Project

Northwest Justice Project provides free legal help for low-income renters facing eviction anywhere in Washington State, including connecting eligible tenants with an attorney and interpreter services if needed.

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The "Hows" of Housing Video Series

The Informing Families "Hows" of Housing three part video series discusses housing choices for people with developmental disabilities in Washington State. The series covers renting, home ownership, and innovative housing options. View the video series on YouTube. View the video series on YouTube.

Part 1: Renting

Alexa Atkins shares the process she went through in planning to move into her own apartment. The coordination of services and housing needs is important in developing a successful living arrangement.

Part 2: Home Ownership

Shawma Hardeman (with PC2 Homeownership Program) talks about how individuals with developmental disabilities can become homeowners.

Part 3: Innovative Housing Options

Rose Finnegan, a founding member of Life Enrichment Options, details how families formed together in Issaquah to develop housing for their adult children (and other adults) with developmental disabilities.