Tuesday, September 22, 2009
FY 2010 Appropriations Update- Housing, Transport
WAHINGTON, DC-- On 17 September, the Senate passed H.R. 3288 , the FY 2010 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill. In housing, the bill provides a $15 million increase for Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities. Section 811 provides affordable and accessible housing units for persons with disabilities who have extremely low incomes. In transportation, the New Freedom program expanding transportation options for people with disabilities was level-funded. However, Section 5310, serving people with disabilities and the elderly with their transportation needs, increased by $7.2 million.
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22 comments:
It is very refreshing to know that people with disabilities are being given more opportunities with respect to housing opportunities. I think Section 811 will help people with disabilities to feel a lot more at ease if they perhaps get laid off from work or cannot find a job for the moment they can have peace of mind in knowing that they have a home to reside in without having to worry about the expenses attached to it. Also, for people with disabilities that currently reside with family members and now are able to move out, this will enable them by giving them the ability to live independently of others assistance thus, giving them more self-efficacy and interdependency amongst themselves.
I also believe that the New Freedom Program is of benefit to people with disabilities because this will remove any barriers that people with disabilities have in the cities they reside in. It will make their commute to work a lot faster and less stressful than what they are currently experiencing. This will also enable many people with disabilities to go out for recreational activities because they will have accessible transportation for them to do so. This will also encourage people with disabilities to go out and search for employment because they have one less barrier to face!
Amy G.
I agree with Amy. I am very happy with the new legislation. This is another step towards empowerment for people with disabilities.
In the case of public housing, however, I feel the waiting list is probably the hardest obstacle to overcome.
I hope in addition to creating homes/apartments to benefit people with disabilities, people with disabilities are given priority to live in them.
I would hate for these units to be made and occupied by people who will not truly benefit from them.
In order to qualify for housing under section 881 the individual have to be at least 18 years old with a disability, and a very low income. Here in the Valley there is a big part of the population who lives under the minimum wage. It is easy to encounter up to three families living in the same household, with no other option.
This is a big step forward for individuals with disabilities, having their dream of independency come true.
The New Freedom program will be also very beneficial, because one of the main reasons for individuals not attending services that the government provides such as; support groups, and activities that helped them to become integrated to society is the lack of transportation. This approach is supportive of the social model and will help people with disability adjust to society in a better way.
Mary Carmen
Although it is great to hear that the Senate has passed H.R. 3288 and the provision of $15 million increased that will provide housing for individuals with disability, the truth of the matter is that $15 million is just not enough. We as a country have experienced an increase need in the areas of housing and transportation because of the detrimental economic crisis our nation is currently facing. In all honesty I had never heard of Section 811, I had on the other hand heard of Section 8 and always was mistakenly thinking that individuals with disabilities were serviced through that program. More and more individuals have extremely low incomes therefore the need continuous to increase and the funds trickle in at such a small almost unnoticeable rate when we look closely into our local communities. Nevertheless, much needed funds have been approved and will be provided with hopes that this will be one of the many more provisions passed by the Senate. Gloria P.
Well, it is defiantly pleasing to read good news. It sounds like people with disabilities are being considered more and more even when is taking time; goals are being reach. I think is just wonderful that funds for are being increased for supportive housing for those people with extremely low incomes. Unfortunately people with disabilities are among those with lower incomes across the country and this will probably make a huge difference for them. Everyone deserves a better living in a comfortable and safe environment and people disabilities are not the exception.
In regard to the new freedom program, I believe this is really a blessing. Transportation is always tied up to independence. In fact, there couldn’t have been a better name for the program “Freedom” that says it all. People with disabilities need the transportation mainly for employment. And again, if the funds are available for the transpiration those who need it will be provide with the opportunity to use it for many purposes.
As I was reading the posting I realized how luck people with disabilities are to living in the US and not only them but people in general. There are other counties with fewer or no programs at all that actually assist people with disabilities.
Mariana GG
The passing of these laws certainly have answered some prayers. It is about time that monies get appropriated for persons with disabilities. Transportation is vital to everyone. I know that when my car is broken and I need to go somewhere, it is a debilitating experience. It is embarrassing to be asking for a ride, I can only imagine how a person who uses a wheelchair must feel. I just say it is about time more assistance is offered to persons with disabilities and hereby give them equal opportunities that we take for granted. Housing is also very important. Last week I saw in the news where a man who lives here in the Valley, is living in a storage shed. He lost his home due to the economy and his friends pitched in to buy him the storage shed so he could have somewhere to live. This person is not able to walk, so he is in a hospital bed 24/7. Just seeing how the paramedics were having a hard time getting him inside the little shed broke my heart. I know life can be hard and deal us cards that are different than everyone else, but we are supposed to be living in a country where we are to be treated equal...Hopefully, these allocations will be put to good use and some home and transportation assistance be provided to persons with disabilities so that they can also experience life and freedom to the fullest as those of us who have no disabilities.
NorfyG
Most people with disabilities have low incomes; it’s only fair that they be compensated with funds which will further equalize their housing and transportation rights. I don’t think it would be fair for a person that can only work so much (due to his or her disability) to not have equal housing and transportation rights. However, when it comes to the entire United States, I think these amounts are low and can be elevated, but at least this is a start. We as counselors need to promote disability rights at a higher level; we also need to start collaborating with senators and representatives. Not only to increase funds but to add additional improvements to disability rights. I think these funds should be in the billions range and not just the millions. I guess you can say I’m just being optimistic but with proper justification anything is possible.
I definitely agree with everybody that says this a good piece of legislation for people with disabilities. But on the other hand I agree with Gloria P. 15 million is not enough for increasing need housing and transportation for people with disabilities.
In this economy alot of people with disabilities would fit criteria to apply for these services. This provision is a step forward for people with disabilities to gain that independence that perhaps they might not have otherwise been able to accomplish.
I was not aware of this provision until I read this blog I think that people with disabilities should be made aware of it. More publicizing of this provision should happen to make people with disabilities aware of what is out there to help them. It is also very important data to the rehabilitation field so that they know to make this option available for clients. Overall this New Freedom Program is something very beneficial to people with disabilities especially during these times of hardships which might be 10 times worse for them.
-Bibiana Medina
I think it's great that the government has decided to take a step forward and protect the rights of people with disabilities. I do agree with GLoria that there does need to be more funding, but at least this is a start. People with disabilities have come a long way trying to defend their rights in society in order to gain the independence and acceptance they deserve. I hope there are many more opportunities i nthe future and that the funding stated follows through.
Gabby Sanchez
It’s great to hear news like this because people with disabilities are getting better opportunities like Section 811. This will help people with disabilities feel a lot better about their situation. I mean not having a home or having to worry about another problem like rent or bills can make someone really stress. People with disabilities really should have housing I mean there are a lot of people who just take advantage of housing. It’s not fair!! People with disabilities should have their own place if they are able to, their nothing like having your own house. Trust me I lived with my mom for three weeks while they remodeled my house and I really missed my own house.
I also believe that the New Freedom Program is a great benefit for people with disabilities because they will have a way to work which makes it a lot less stressful. This will also allow many people with disabilities to go out and look for work if they need to.
Tanya D :o)
This is awesome!! The fact that housing and transportation monies being allocated to individuals who really need it is definitely something to smile about. I don’t know how many times I have been disgusted at seeing individuals who are able to work but don’t want to work or are too lazy to work (and I KNOW they’re too lazy). Up until 5 years ago, I owned and operated 4 apartment complexes, 3 of which I allowed housing or section 8 patrons. SO many times I saw the individuals relying completely on governmental aid as a source of income and many not putting forth any effort to sustain or support themselves. With such services being allocated to people with disabilities, now they may not have to rely on family members and have the chance to become as independent as they possibly can, without being a danger to themselves or others, and will be adequately cared for.
--Elizabeth C.P.
I think that Section 811 is great because it will provide more housing units for persons with disabilities a chance to become independent. I have a nephew who has multiple sclerosis and is in advanced stages but is stable and is now 36 and was living with his mother and brothers. He was longing for one day to live by himself since he felt that it was time for him to move out. He constantly suffered from depression, anxiety, and was agitated from loud noises within the home and just wanted to be by himself. In addition his home was not handicap accessible since he was already using a wheelchair due to his nerve and muscle damage from his legs he was unable to walk. It was recently that he moved to his own apartment and is accessible to his specifications and is now in better health. My nephew has also told me that he feels a lot better and can come and go as he pleases since transportation is also provided for him. I am very proud of him especially because he wanted to be independent and has shown that he has done more things for himself than before.
Sylvia Garza
I agree with Gloria on this one, 15 million dollars is potatoes when you compare that to the cost of making or renovating apartments for people with disabilities. But we can’t complain, it’s extra money that was not there before. The extra money for the transportation is cool but I don’t know the exact costs for that. Either way, I hope money is provided for that too by city and state government. I agree with others when I say that there is much difficulty when a person is applying for section 811 housing but just remember those who need it most will receive it first. I read a blog comment that commented on the high population of PWD in the valley. May seem harsh to say but many of the “population” is also undocumented and are unable to receive housing services.
Joseph G.
I think section 811 is a great idea and I am very pleased to know that there is money available for housing. The housing bill for disabled people is a great idea because most individuals who have a disability find it hard to get, keep and maintain a job in this cruel world. Having section 811 gives these individuals a sense of independent living due to their lifestyle. Often these people have to live with a family member or other people because they cannot particularly take care of themselves or cannot afford it. If these people know they have a house to go to without worrying about not maintaining a job they will be more at ease with their already hectic lifestyles. Knowing that section 811 is only for people with disabilities, gives me a sense of satisfaction just because they deserve this and more. I mention this because we as “normal” society, as they call it, have much more benefits than they do.
Elizabeth G. (REHS 6345)
It's amazing to see that this opportunities are becoming available for indviduals with disabilities to have appropriate housing and transportation. It will make an individual with a disabilities decision to live on their own easier because of all the opportunities that have opened for them. Making more homes and apartments for individuals iwth disabilities will be very efficiant in helping these individuals live independently. Especially today with the economy problem people with disabilities are faced with bigge barriers because of the restrain of jobs, so knowing that they have the transportation to get them to and from their work can make a very big difference.
Nancy lozano
Well this is great news for individuals who are in actual need of good housing and transportation. This can really reduce the stress that some may experience due to this situation. Many times these individuals will just be left to fen for themselves and have no means of appropriate housing nor transportation for daily or weekly needs. This is a good thing, now these individuals can actually make it to their doctors appointment and etc.... This new budget will all give them access to a more comfortable and independent life, which will be very liberating for them.
I think it is great that section 811 allows persons with disabilities the opportunity to afford a home; it shows that people are really trying to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are being given equal rights and are being given the opportunity to be independent as part of our community. This is very good because people are starting to notice that people with disabilities have the same equal rights as everyone else.
Blanca Perez
I think that our legislation is starting to do more for people with disabilities. I know that many times PWDs want to live on their own and don't have the means to. With these new bills being passed it allows for them to feel empowered and know that there are people working within the government for their rights. I also think that the improvement in transportation is very important as well. Many times it's difficult for a person with a disability to make it to their appointments or even social gatherings because of the lack of sufficient transportation. These are great steps in the improvement of lifestyles for people with disabilities.
I am with agreement with Gloria P. on this matter. 15 million dollars is a not nearly enough to support the Section 811 program. This valuable program exists to provide housing for people with disabilities. As a result, it will promote independent living for PWD. I know the list to get approved for housing for Section 8can take years and I hope that is not the case with this program.
On their website, The New Freedom Program lists services available for PWD. Overall, I was impressed with the variety of services offered throughout the state of Texas such as: ADA accessible taxicabs; trips based services escort/aid assistance; mobility management and travel training. However, the Valley program only offers limited services like travel training at this time.
B. Ramirez
REHS 6300
On it's website, The New Freedom Progam lists services available for PWD. Overall, I was impressed with the services offered throughout the state of Texas such as: ADA accessible taxicabs; trips based services escort/aid assistance; mobility management and travel training. However, the Valley program only offers travel training at this time.
WOW, I was so relieved when I read about Section 811 and Section 5310. I work for a behavioral clinic and I see many patients not make it to their appointments due to lack of reliable transportation. I had heard that legislation was working on approving bus tokens for persons who do not have transportation and do not have Medicaid (it covers Lefleur, which is medical transportation for Medicaid recipients only). With regards to housing for persons with disabilities, it’s about time something gets done to help with funding. I recently helped a client to apply for housing and the waiting list is between 6 to 12 months, valley wide, even if the person has a disability (they are placed in the ‘priority list’). What is the person to do or where do they sleep until they are called by the Housing Authority? Legislation needs to act fast, there are too many homeless, disabled people in the Valley, and the numbers keep increasing nationwide.
C. Cardona
I ma glad the Senate passes H.R. 3288. People with disabilities in extreme poverty have a history ob being denied equal access to many fundamental needs. A fair and dignified treatment in housing and transportation was needed. I hope many people benefit from it. I think more about PWDs who have families. they would now be able to provide better living conditions for them, with the help of the government.
- Leila Flores
I really like this . I think people with dissabilites often do not have the ability to get to here or there. This also provides a sense of Indpendent living or actual IDL. By providing more funds for transportation , this gives people with dissabilities more oportunity to live there lives and become more active in social settings. Also, this provides a home for PWD and not have to be a part of some household where they may not be treated as a regular human being. Love this update and i am glad
Eddie. R.
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