Housing Services
ServiceSource’s Habilitation Programs serve more than 400 individuals with disabilities, with a focus on community integration and person-centered activities. Our programs offer a range of physical, speech and occupational therapy, expressive therapies such as art, music and dance, and intensive case management. Many program participants also take part in paid work activities and have the opportunity to volunteer for numerous local community organizations.
Started in 1995, Homes for Independence, Inc. (HFI) was formed as the housing division of ServiceSource. The primary focus was and remains to be the provision of affordable, accessible and safe housing for people with low incomes and/ or disabilities. Inclusion is the cornerstone of all our housing programs— integration into established condominium communities with easy access to shopping and transportation.
Day Habilitation Programs ServiceSource’s community-based habilitation programs are goaled to integrating individuals in their local communities through volunteer and paid work activities. Day habilitation programs also teach individuals a variety of valued skills for independent living and enhance quality of life through recreational and social activities and expressive therapies like music, dance and therapeutic riding.
Senior Services ServiceSource’s Senior Program in Dover, Delaware is designed for individuals with disabilities who have worked either in the community or in center-based programs but are now entering their “retirement years.” Funded through a contract with the Delaware Division of Developmental Disability Services, the center provides meaningful activities in a relaxing atmosphere, where participants can enjoy life following retirement from work programs.
The program serves nearly 400 individuals with disabilities and their family members through multiple program offerings, including: • Home ownership for low to moderate-income individuals • Low interest home improvement loans • Energy efficiency upgrades • Affordable rentals in Pinellas, Polk and Brevard Counties in Florida, and Cumberland County, North Carolina • Property Management Services in Brevard County, Florida
Christich Family Story Joseph and Stephen, twin brothers, have been active members of ServiceSource Virginia Regional Office for Habilitation Services since graduating from a special education program in Fairfax County, VA in 2009. According to their father, Pete, ServiceSource has been a daily catalyst and motivator for his sons to wake up early in the morning and to spend time in the
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community, enjoying life and sharing time and experiences with others. Pete and his sons selected the ServiceSource Habilitation Program in Central Fairfax because of the large team of special care staff, all of whom have diverse and complementary expertise. In the past two years, Joseph and Stephen have been grateful for the help from staff that allows them to actively participate in many social activities. Pete has noticed his sons’ enjoyment from being able to interact with their peers outside of the home, and says that such experiences could not be duplicated by a home care program.
Home Ownership The home ownership program operated under Homes for Independence (HFI) picked up steady momentum in FY 2011. Established in 1995, the program has been instrumental in helping 129 families achieve home ownership. After a slow FY 2010, the program revived with two homes sold and two more under contract.
Affordable Rentals Currently, there are 273 affordable rental units in operation through HFI. Subsidized condominium units are available in Pinellas, Polk and Brevard Counties in Florida, and in Cumberland County North Carolina.
Valued Partnerships Homes for Independence is able to meet its mission by forming a variety of community partnerships. In FY 2011 HFI was awarded grants from Brevard County Housing and Human Services and the City of Melbourne Housing and Human Services to purchase four foreclosed condominiums to renovate and rent to individuals with low incomes, one condominium to be renovated and sold to an individual with a low income and a disability, and four houses to be sold to individuals with low incomes. Through a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stimulus grant, HFI was able to perform energy efficiency upgrades to 75 HUD rental units. Pinellas County provided additional funding for energy upgrades on condominium units at Morningside in The City of Clearwater, Florida. Homes for Independence was also successful in obtaining funding to provide storm protection on houses in Pinellas County through the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s Residential Construction Mitigation Program in FY 2011.
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
Habilitation Services