Field Building is an essential aspect of our approach at The Kelsey. Solving the current housing crisis will require input, cross-sector leadership and expertise from a wide array of relevant stakeholders. We recognize that this is far too big a problem for any organization to solve on its own. The goal is to show how our work does not happen without field building. If you are fuzzy about the details of field building, this piece is for you. This article will introduce and define the concepts of field building and collective impact, explain how they are central to our approach and end with ways to stay engaged with The Kelsey and our work.

Whether a developer has an existing affordable housing project or is conceptualizing their next, designing a resident-centered experience that considers the whole person is becoming increasingly important. At The Kelsey, we believe developers excel at this by: Supplementing their designs with disability-forward practices; Infusing the resident experience with inclusive services; and Consistently creating partnerships with each person who walks through the front door. To further these goals, this article demonstrates how developers and affordable housing operators can better understand Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which undoubtedly cultivates a well-rounded, supportive, and affirmative experience for every resident in the place they call home.

Building a strong support and services delivery system within affordable and mixed income housing communities fosters inclusion and improves housing retention for both disabled and non-disabled residents, but the process can be challenging to conceptualize and fund. Reviewing key elements of The Kelsey’s approach to solving this problem through the Inclusion Concierge model can help you navigate the creation of your own supportive, inclusive housing community.

26% of people have a disability, yet it’s estimated that less than 6% of the national housing supply is designed to be accessible. The Housing Design Standards for Accessibility and Inclusion consist of over 300 Elements, which reflect design operations and choices that include development strategies, building features, or operational policies that support accessibility and inclusion. The Design Standards organize elements by Design Categories, Impact Areas, and Additional Benefits. Click to download the standards and a self-certification tool.

Where someone lives impacts their ability to stay healthy and receive supports. As housing advocates, developers, and policymakers it’s important to understand the basics of housing-related services and how housing impacts health, especially when advocating for and developing housing for people with disabilities.

Conversations around disability-inclusive housing often center on discussions of physical housing types and supports and services. While these elements are fundamental, The Kelsey believes that these two elements are should be considered as necessary to support a crucial third element: community life. Read on to learn more about The Kelsey’s triangle graphic and its application to thriving inclusive communities.