One of the most rewarding parts of our work is hosting the Inclusive Houser Network (IHN) – a group of organizations actively building or operating disability-forward housing. Through the IHN, we increase field capacity and partner on program and policy initiatives to improve housing outcomes for people with disabilities.
Since 2022, we’ve watched members create plans for and develop housing, welcome residents, and take action to scale inclusive housing across the country. This year, we are supporting IHN members to host site visits for members of Congress and their staff. Site visits are a critical way to educate Congresspeople on the need for and opportunity of disability-forward housing, and their role in making more affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing possible.
Most recently, Hope North Carolina, welcomed Justin Summers from U.S. Senator Ted Budd’s office to Weaver’s Grove, an inclusive housing community in Chapel Hill. During the visit, Justin toured a home and heard directly from future Weaver’s Grove resident, Josh, about why affordable and accessible housing matters. Hope NC also shared how local, state, and federal investments, especially Housing Choice Vouchers, made these homes affordable to residents with disabilities.
Thank you to Hope NC, Josh, and Senator Budd’s office for helping demonstrate what’s possible when people with disabilities have the opportunity to live independently and participate fully in their communities. These visits are an important step toward building greater congressional support for disability-forward housing solutions nationwide.
To reach out to your Congresspeople about protecting and increasing funding for federal housing programs, click here.
