Arc Southeastern Minnesota’s mission is to build inclusive communities for all by providing support, education, and advocacy to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. When someone with developmental disabilities – or their families – needs assistance, Arc is there to help.
Arc southeastern MN has been assisitng a young woman from Winona who wants to move out of a group home and find a home of her own through the new Housing Access Services Program (HASP). The HASP started in September 2009 and is a partnership of The ARC of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The Houseing Access Services Program helps eligible Minnesota adults with disabilities seek and locate suitable, affordable, accessible housing.
The HASP advocates from Arc Southeastern MN have been helping this young woman (since December 2009) develop a household budget; they have accompanied her to look at apartments; and have helped her fill out applications. Working with her guardian and social worker we will develop a plan of action to find her a suitable rental property withich she can afford. If needed, they can assist her with a rental deposit or some furnishings.
This young woman is very excited to be more independent. This housing program may not be for everyone, but for someone who does not need the level of care that a group or adult foster care situation provides, this program may be a way for them to become a more included member of their community.
Anna (not her real name) is just one example of someone Arc for whom has provided advocacy. She has received support services from the county since she was a child. One day last year, she was asked to come to the county offices to sign some paperwork. When she did so, county workers proceeded to re-evaluate her eligibility for these services. Without prior notice, Anna did not know what the office visit was actually about, and she did not have the opportunity to bring any family or friends with her to help her decipher the meeting.
When Anna returned home, she told her mother why she had been gone so long, didn’t know why the county workers had been asking her so many questions and was confused about what had happened, and why. As it turned out, the county had determined during this meeting that Anna would no longer qualify for services.
Anna’s mom called Arc Southeastern Minnesota; with their help Anna was able to get a new evaluation with her support team present. An advocate provided by Arc helped Anna understand the process and the questions the county workers were asking her. As a result of Anna being able to have her supports in place, and having advance notice of the meeting and what it would entail, she continued to qualify for county services that help her on a daily basis.Add Content...