Explore Housing

Best new discovery in the housing journey: Show Me the Rent .com is a website that allows you to search for apartments – including accessible units – in any area of the state. Take a look at what is available in your area. No guarantees of completeness, but it is a place to start.

First Steps

Ask your son or daughter: How do you feel about having a roommate? Would you like to live alone or with a group of people? What do you need to learn to be able to live on your own?

Every state has a housing development authority. In Michigan, it’s the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). For help finding an apartment, start with MSHDA’s housing locator (but not sure this listing service show correct information about Spectran paratransit in Lansing.)

Word of mouth–It could take as long as 3 years to get to the top of the waiting list. When/if you do get to the top, you have to take what is offered anywhere in the county or else go to the bottom and wait again.

Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) are the most desirable subsidy because, as the name implies, you can choose to live anywhere (in theory). The government reimburses the landlord for what you cannot pay. You can find out more at MSHDA.

Lansing Housing Commission (lanshc.org; 517-487-6550) is another portal to some of the same opportunities. Do you own property? Would you like help to turn it into a low-rent opportunity? Lansing Housing Commission, or any local housing commission, is probably your best bet to speak to a human being rather that only view a website.

Affordable Housing Online has quite a bit of information about different kinds of subsidized housing, but I wondered if some spam I got was because of them. Two unsubscribes and the spam was over, so I think it’s worth spending time there and maybe signing up for their info. You can sign up for email alerts for the state you live in. These folks also have some “guides” that tell more about housing options, if you scroll to the bottom of the screen. You’ll be shocked by some info, such as “This county’s waiting list was last opened in March 2014, and it’s not known when the waiting list will be open again.” It’s clear there’s a housing shortage for people with disabilities who need reduced rent. Affordable Housing Online just started a “premium service” that has a fee, but I get lots of information without paying for the premium service.

Intentional communities are a throwback to the 60s commune lifestyle, but designed so that families and friends can encircle and support individuals who need extra help to live independently. Check out these in Michigan: Lansing Intentional Communities (LINCS) and Intentional Communities of Washtenaw. Here’s a link for intentional community information around the US. Not all of these locations specifically include people with disabilities. Check carefully before you make the effort to visit a location.