Individuals with disabilities can have a difficult time finding housing that is accessible and meets their special needs. In its 2007 report to Congress, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that there were more than 600,000 disabled adults in this country who were categorized as having worst case housing needs. The good news is that affordable housing programs are available, many of which may be found through searchable databases. One of the best places to start looking is to contact government agencies and nonprofit organizations within your home community.

1 Locate accessible, affordable housing through Accessible Space (ASI), a nonprofit organization that offers housing opportunities to adults with disabilities (see Resources). The program offers disabled adults who need supportive services the option of living independently in apartments or cooperative homes. ASI currently offers housing in 27 states, including California.

2 Go online to the HUD website to locate rental properties that are available to people with disabilities (see Resources). Search for HUD-insured and HUD-subsidized properties by state. There are several qualifying properties within the San Francisco Bay Area. The information available on the site is collected from property owners or managers and is updated periodically. Subsidized housing developments usually have long waiting lists; therefore, there may be no vacancies at the time you apply.

3 Visit the local housing authority in your community (see Resources). Disabled individuals who are looking for affordable housing in the San Francisco area should get in touch with the public housing authority of San Mateo County. Ask about the availability of subsidized rental housing or public housing for low-income individuals with disabilities. Public housing developments are usually apartments or townhouses funded by either the state or federal government and managed by the local public housing authority.

4 Contact your local and state chambers of commerce for information about local and national grants, which offer housing assistance to individuals in the community with disabilities (see Resources). Private foundation grants are another source of assistance offered to disabled persons. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce can give you information about apartments for rent in the Bay Area that are handicapped accessible. You can also log on to the Gov Benefits website for a current listing of government assistance programs available to individuals with certain disabilities (see Resources). View individual program descriptions, details and eligibility requirements.

5 Find your local Habitat for Humanity or nearest affiliate in the surrounding area (see Resources). Enter a preferred zip code to begin your search. Habitat for Humanity is an international, nonprofit Christian housing ministry that provides safe and affordable housing to families in need. Families are chosen based on their level of need and ability to repay the mortgage loan. If selected, a family must contribute labor to the construction or renovation of the home.

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