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The Accessible Housing Resource Center (AHRC) provides information and referral on accessibility and housing, provides educational programs, and advocates with government and community groups to increase accessibility in housing. It is designed to be flexible so that MAHO can respond to opportunities to help meet the housing needs of people with disabilities. Through the AHRC, we can share our expertise in accessible housing in many ways:
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Education
Extensive public education on visitability, and accessible design, and universal design in housing. This includes seminars, presentations, and technical advice. In 2007 and 2008, MAHO held the Achieving Accessible Housing seminar series, a series of six seminars on accessibility in housing. Seminars were offered for consumers, social workers, and advocates, as well as for housing professionals.
Advocacy
MAHO advocates collaboratively and individually with governments on all levels, developers, housing agencies, etc. to ensure that housing for people with mobility disabilities is properly addressed. Executive Director Steve Hansler recently served on the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s committee to develop the state housing plan with 25 other housing leaders from all over the state to provide specific recommendations for state policy makers, and was the chair of the accessible housing sub-committee.
Information and referral
People call MAHO with a variety of questions about disability issues. MAHO’s expertise and community contacts allow appropriate referrals depending on their individual circumstances. Useful resources include MAHO's Service List, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless' Street Card, and United Way's 211 First Call for Help service in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Lorain Counties.
Collaboration
MAHO works with many community, housing, and disability organizations. Successful collaborations have resulted in new fully accessible homes, increased access to rent subsidies, the development of the www.housingcleveland.org database of accessible and affordable housing, and much more.
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