Internet Resources
Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. Website includes how to file a housing discrimination complaint and disability rights and resources. In addition, HUD website can provide information for veterans seeking housing and housing options for people with HIV/AIDS.
United States Department of Justice
The Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section carries out the Department’s responsibilities for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure access to, and nondiscrimination by, businesses (e.g., hotels, restaurants, theaters, stores), State and local government programs and activities (e.g., public meetings, public hospitals, public education, public transportation, law enforcement, courts), and State and local government employment services.
The Fannie Mae Foundation creates affordable homeownership and housing opportunities through innovative partnerships and initiatives. The foundation provides home buying guides and home ownership education programs.
Housing Assistance Council is a not for profit organization whose mission is to improve housing conditions for rural America. HAS provides loans, technical assistance, research and information and the following trainings: housing development, financing, construction, and not for profit management.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to ending America’s affordable housing crisis. They focus on: public education, organizing, research, and policy advocacy.
USDA rural development provides financial services to promote public services in rural America. Public services may include: water and sewer, health clinics, and emergency services. This department also provides technical assistance and information and provides funds to promote community empowerment.
Community Connection Information Center
The Community Connections (ComCon) Clearinghouse is the Information Center for the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.The Center serves CPD, its clients and customers and all those with a common interest in safe, decent, affordable housing, and those interested in creating community and economic development opportunities at the local level.
Fair Housing Accessibility First Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST is an initiative designed to promote compliance with the Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements. The program offers comprehensive and detailed instruction programs, useful online web resources, and a toll-free information line for technical guidance and support.
The Universal Design Alliance, Inc., is a non-profit corporation founded in March of 2003. Our mission is to create awareness and expand the public’s knowledge of universal design, which is design for all ages, sizes, and abilities.
STATE RESOURCES
PA Power Point. PA government website that let’s user link to state agencies, information on contacting state legislators, regional news, and ability to apply for social service programs
PA Department of Community and Economical Development. Website provides a funding program finder, helping you access over 30 thirty financial assistance programs that the Commonwealth offers for community development. A community building site and local government information.
www.phfa.org
Pennsylvania Housing Finance
Agency
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency was created by the General Assembly in 1972 to provide affordable housing for older adults, families of modest means, and persons with disabilities. PHFA provides an emergency homeowner’s mortgage assistance program, home buyer education programs, and homeowner choice programs.
www.newsontap.org
Housing and Disability
Technical Assistance Program (TAP) sponsored by the Philadelphia Office of
Housing and Community Development
The purpose of TAP is to provide the most up-to-date information on accessible housing, fair housing laws and regulations, financial and technical resources, model projects and other issues related to housing for people with disabilities in the City of Philadelphia. This includes information on such topics as Universal Design, VisitAbility, proposed legislation, self-determination, and new public and private housing programs and projects
The Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA) is an affiliation of Pennsylvania's housing authorities, redevelopment authorities, community development agencies and nonprofit corporations. PAHRA lends a supportive role to local communities in regards to housing needs.
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Users may enter a zip code to locate a habitat contact in his/her area.
www.paddc.org
The Pennsylvania Developmental
Disabilities Council
The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council is a group made up of people with disabilities, family members, advocates, and state department representatives who work to create favorable conditions for people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Commonwealth. PADDC provides funding for short term projects, education and support for people with disabilities, and advocacy for improved public places.
www.drnpa.org
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
DRN works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self-determination over their services.
www.thearcpa.org
The ARC of Pennsylvania
The Arc of Pennsylvania works toward the goal of having people with mental retardation fully participate in civil, social, educational, health and employment activities in the communities in which they reside.
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need.
www.ilru.org
Independent Living
Research Utilization
The ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Site provides a nationwide directory of Centers and SILC’s.