The Senator Robyn Kennedy team recently had the opportunity to interview, Benji Kemper, Community Organizer for persons with disabilities at the Center for Living and Working. Shedding light on the unique housing challenges the disability community faces, Kemper emphasized that the shortage of affordable accessible housing remains a significant barrier, often forcing individuals with disabilities into unsuitable living conditions. He highlighted how the long wait times for accessible units can lead to prolonged stays in nursing homes or even homelessness. Additionally, Kemper discussed the difficulties in obtaining proper documentation and navigating complex application processes, which can be overwhelming for many. The conversation elevates the importance of creating more inclusive housing policies and the need for greater investment in accessible infrastructure.
Q: Can you describe the current state of affordable housing in our community and how it impacts residents with disabilities?
A: The waiting time for an affordable accessible unit in Worcester is usually at least twice as long as that of an affordable unit without the accessibility features. According to an estimation of the wait time by Steve Stolberg a skills trainer who has helped people with disabilities find housing for over 25 years, “in Worcester finding an affordable accessible housing for someone under 55 is 5 to 7 years and for someone over 55 is 2-3 years.” This is because Worcester’s housing stock was mostly built before the 90s when the ADA and rules around accessibility were put in place, and not enough affordable accessible housing is being built. This makes people have to live in nursing homes, inaccessible housing, or be homeless.
Q. What are the specific challenges people with disabilities face when trying to find accessible and affordable housing?
A: The biggest thing is by far the shortage of affordable accessible units, that contributes to long wait times that I mentioned in the question before.
Another difficulty is having proper documentation filed for the units they apply to. This is something that Center for Living and Working skills trainers can help with.
Q: How does the lack of ADA-accessible housing options affect the daily lives and independence of individuals with disabilities?
A: The long wait times force people into nursing homes when they do not need that level of care.
This takes away people’s independence, ability to live a fulfilling life, and to contribute to the Worcester community. Some people have to move away from their friends and family in Worcester to get an affordable accessible unit. While others decide to live in an inaccessible unit, where they can’t use all their apartment including the bathroom and the kitchen.
It is also a huge safety risk as some people who live in inaccessible housing cannot leave their house or apartment due to stairs or other features and this which makes them prisoners in their own home a huge risk for emergency evacuation purposes.
Q: What initiatives or policies are currently in place to improve the availability of affordable, ADA-accessible housing, and how effective have they been?
A: The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) that Senator Kennedy introduced to the senate has made a big impact in allowing people to be able to live in accessible housing.
AHVP is a housing voucher program for people with disabilities under 60.
AHVP has transitioned many people out of nursing homes.
This saves the state from having to pay thousands of dollars a month for a bed in a nursing home.
AHVP makes a huge difference in people’s quality of life and their right to be independent.
Q: Can you share any success stories or examples of communities that have effectively addressed the need for affordable and accessible housing?
A: One way Worcester’s local government has created affordable accessible housing is the Worcester Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). The Worcester’s AHTF funds housing projects and in return requires affordable units be created.
Worcester’s AHTF trustees voted to require at least 10% of all units in a project be accessible and voted to provide incentives if they go above the 10% requirement.
Since 2023 the Worcester AHTF has funded 72 units of affordable accessible housing.
Q: What role can local governments, non-profits, and private developers play in increasing the availability of ADA-accessible and affordable housing?
A: Private and nonprofit developers should look to create more affordable accessible housing.
Investigate ways to incentivize private developers to build more affordable accessible housing as we cannot depend on public housing to be the answer, there is too much need for one entity. There needs to be a public/private mix.
In addition, cities should invest in sidewalks and crossways to make sure people with disabilities can access the land around them.
Q: How do you see the future of affordable and accessible housing evolving, and what steps need to be taken to ensure progress?
A: So far, I have only written about accessible housing for someone with a mobility disability.
Disability is a huge category. It’s also important to think about how we can improve housing for everyone with a disability. This includes the autistic community, people who are sensitive to certain smells, people who need air conditioning to regulate their body temperature, and many more.
We want to continue to look into ways that we can enhance the quality of life of everyone with a disability.
Q: What can community members and advocates do to support the push for more inclusive housing policies and developments?
A: I love talking to people about affordable accessible housing and would be excited to connect with you. My email is BKemper@centerlw.org. Also, make sure you connect with your local and state politicians and let them know how important affordable accessible housing is.
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Giselle Rivera-Flores, Director of Communications at giselle.riveraflores@masenate.gov
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