Housing Resource Center
ACT’S Housing Resource Center Staff:
Ash Lemons - Director of Housing Resource Center
Don Smith – Nursing Home Transition Manager
Nicole Cape – Nursing Home Transition Coordinator
Charlie Martin – Home Accessibility Manager
Tiffany Tierney – Community Inclusion Coordinator/IL Skills/PCA
Shelley Papenfuse – Disability Rights Advocate
Matt Whitmore – Custodian
Location:
Located on the Monroe Street campus, ACT’s Housing Resource Center (HRC) is comprised of three distinct but interconnected programs:
• Nursing Home Transition
• Home Accessibility
• Accessible Housing and Advocacy
By combining these three programs under one umbrella, in one office, our hope is to provide realistic opportunities for successful independence that address all aspects of housing and disability.
Nursing Home Transition Program
This program has its own page. Access it in the left column under “Quick Clicks” or by going here.
Home Accessibility (Ramp) Program
This program has its own page. Access it in the left column under “Quick Clicks” or by going here.
Accessible Housing and Advocacy Program
Staff of Accessible Housing and Advocacy Program
Ash Lemons - Director of Housing Resource Center
Summary of Program
“Nobody wants to live in a nursing home. That should tell us something.” – Wade Blank, Advocate
Besides the human rights issues, advocates cite the economic implications of Visitability: By 2010, research by the National Association of Home Builders indicates that half of all US homes will be headed by persons 55 years old or older.[3] Average nursing home costs exceed $60,000 dollars per year per resident[4], while nearly 70% of nursing home costs are paid with public funds.[5] Staying out of institutions as long as possible is a strong desire of most people and also financially beneficial to individuals, families and society.
The Accessible Housing and Advocacy Program provides information, consultation and advocacy with respect to Visitability and Universal Design. This program can also connect folks with Realtors and home builders knowledgeable and capable of identifying your next accessible home. Our goal is to maximize residential functionality and marketability by taking a responsible look at community needs and identifying economical, environmental and aesthetically pleasing solutions.
A few links that may be of help:
For House Hunters
If you are looking for a reputable home builder or remodeler:
www.kountrysidekustom.com
www.deckerhomes.com
www.accessiblerenovationsinc.com
www.stanberyhomes.com
www.accessquipllc.com
Realtors
Coming Soon
If you are looking for or wish to become an housing advocate:
www.cohhio.org
www.olrs.ohio.gov
www.nationalhomeless.org
www.policymattersohio.org
www.ohiocdc.org
www.disabilityinfo.gov
Additional Information
www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/Visitability/index.asp
www.udeworld.com/visitability.html
www.concretechange.org
www.visitability.org
www.ohiovisitability.blogspot.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visitability
Visitability Fact Sheet-2009 pdf
Local information
City of Toledo Visitability Ordinance
Toledo Municipal Code Visitability Ordinance in Word
