Finding desirable housing for our adult children remains one of the most intractable problems we face as parents. Recent IPADD discussions have highlighted concerns around the PUNS selections and lack of CILA options, with many families selecting home-based care instead. This, of course, works fine in the short term, but at some point the vast majority of our children will need independent housing with some level of support. We really can’t afford to give up.
Providers are also frustrated. Impeded by slow state payment and absent financing for new facilities they cannot serve their missions. Many would like to develop housing to serve this pressing need. And parents-providers face a torrent of red tape and frustration when they try to fill the gap. In short, housing for the developmentally disabled is a mess in our state. But we really can’t afford to give up.
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disability (ICDD) is working with CSH to sponsor a series of meetings to discuss housing throughout the state. As they seek to develop a report on the state of DD housing in Illinois, CSH asks us the following “What would your life be like if you had your own home?” Findings from these meetings will be reported to ICDD and may well form the foundation for developing solutions. CSH is a well-qualified partner with a history of addressing housing needs among those in need, such as the homeless and veterans.
This article highlights the upcoming discussions scheduled in Lake County and McHenry County. The Lake County discussions are at Protected Tomorrows on May 28. One is at 10am and the other at 6pm. The McHenry County meetings are on June 18, also 10am and 6pm. (Other meetings are scheduled around the state, and they are listed on the ICDD website.)
In order to stimulate participation in these important discussions, I have created a little website for Lake and McHenry Counties. It contains links to the event flyers, sponsors, registration, and some background papers for those who are interested. The website is http://maryrhode9.wix.com/housing.
Please pass this along to anyone who will find this of interest. I hope you will participate in a session. We really can’t afford to give up on housing.
