Housing Services
Contact:Bob Mikesic
Deputy Director/Advocacy Coordinator, ext.
107
Independence, Inc. provides a variety of housing services. The ILS/Housing Specialist provides information and referral about accessible and affordable housing options.
Independence, Inc. operates the Accessible Housing Program, which assists renters with disabilities in Lawrence make needed accessibility modifications in their housing. More information in Resources. Resources
What Fair Housing Means for People with Disabilitiesis an excellent booklet explaining in plain language how three federal laws protect the housing rights of people with mental or physical disabilities. A free copy of this publication can be downloaded from the Bazelon Center's website at www.bazelon.org/issues/housing/publications/index.htm
Fair Housing Information Sheetsare also available on the Bazelon Center's website. They further explain housing rights and accommodations for individuals with disabilities based on Fair Housing laws. www.bazelon.org/issues/housing/index.htm
Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Rights and Resources
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/index.cfm
Kansas Human Rights Commission
Agency that enforces the Kansas Act Against Discriminationhttp://www.khrc.net/
The City of Lawrence, Kansas Human Relations Divisionis a local civil rights enforcement agency. It investigates complaints from persons in the City of Lawrence, Kansas alleging they have been discriminated against in employment, housing, or public accommodations because of disability and other protected class status. Human Relations also provides education for the City's anti-discrimination law. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can submit an Intake Discrimination Complain form online at www.lawrenceks.org/legal/complaint_filing#onlineforms The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority (LDCHA)is a joint agency of the City and County governments with a mission to provide safe and affordable housing to Douglas County residents with incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Website: www.ldcha.org How to Apply for (LDCHA) housing:
www.ldcha.org/housing/how-to-apply.htm Tenants to Homeowners (TTH) maintains affordable rental homes in Lawrence, Kansas to those with very low incomes (60% or less than the median income for Lawrence). TTH also operates a first time homebuyer program for persons who qualify.More information at www.tenants-to-homeowners.org
The Accessible Housing Program (AHP)is a community development block grant program funded by the City of Lawrence, Kansas and administered by Independence, Inc. AHP assists renters with low incomes in Lawrence make needed accessibility modifications in their housing. The applicant's annual household income must not exceed 80% of the median income for Lawrence, Kansas, as established by the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development. Examples of accessibility modifications: - Installation of an entrance ramp; door threshold ramp; sidewalk
- Widening doorways and installing a new wider door and trim
- Installation of grab bars and handrails
- Installation of an accessible sink, roll-in shower
- Visual signal system for smoke detectors and, or fire alarm.
For more information or an application, contact the ILS/Housing Specialist. |
