DES MOINES – The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University and Anawim Housing, along with Hubbell Realty, and Simonson Associates, announced the launch of Affordable Access Des Moines (AADSM) at an event last night at Drake University. AADSM is a collaboration to create, refine, and pilot a framework for integrating universal accessibility into the design and construction of affordable, attractive permanent housing in Des Moines.
The need for affordable housing nationwide is at an all-time high, especially in rapidly growing mid-sized cities like Des Moines, where increases in demand have left many low-income renters without affordable options. At the same time, people with disabilities are disproportionately represented among low-income families: while 27 percent of Americans live in low-income families, that number rises to 52 percent for people with disabilities. As a result, the shortage in available affordable housing is especially acute for families that include a person with a disability.
“Accessibility exists in an ecosystem, not in a vacuum. It is hard to access employment opportunities when you don’t have a place to live or a way to get to the job,” said Daniel Van Sant, director of disability policy at The Harkin Institute. “Community integration of disabled people through economic opportunity requires that we have a greater number of accessible housing options in our communities. We’re proud to work with Anawim Housing and our committed partners to address this critical need.”
“Anawim Housing believes that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Megan Milligan, president of Anawim Housing. “For individuals and families with disabilities, accessibility can be the difference between simply having a place to live and having a home where they can build a fulfilling life. Through Affordable Access Des Moines, we have an opportunity to demonstrate that affordable and accessible housing can go hand in hand. The partners composing AADSM share a commitment to serving our most vulnerable community members, and this partnership will allow us to make homes both accessible and affordable so that everyone in our community can thrive.”
Drawing on The Harkin Institute’s disability policy expertise, Anawim will work with its design and development partners to test options for making affordable housing fully accessible.
The goal is to exceed minimum ADA standards without increasing design, construction, and maintenance costs. The joint effort will also include fundraising, public programming, and outreach. Ultimately, the group plans to publish a report that will allow developers and property managers nationwide to put their findings into effect.
Learn more about Anawim Housing.
Learn more about The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement.
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