Some charitable groups seeking to find housing for people with disabilities are taking heart from the soft real estate market. Our House, a nonprofit in the New York area, recently purchased two homes at reasonable prices in an affluent neighborhood. The two houses will be home to six men, all of whom have intellectual disabilities. The buildings will be renovated to meet the needs of older people with disabilities: “a ranch house on a level lot, since wheelchairs might become a necessity; abundant natural light to accommodate aging eyes; easy flow between the rooms; and wide aisles and door frames.” The group was helped by recent regulatory changes in New York that now require municipalities to assure that affordable housing for people with disabilities is available within their communities. Previously, a regional agreement allowed municipalities to trade “credits” for affordable housing. Now, each town must meet its own obligations.
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