Housing justice serves as a vital component of violence prevention, as it directly impacts the lives of individuals with disabilities and their ability to thrive. In the United States, the lack of accessible housing poses significant challenges, with less than 1% of housing being wheelchair accessible and only a fraction of that suitable for those with moderate mobility difficulties. These statistics highlight the pressing need to address the housing crisis and ensure equal access for all. In this blog post, we will explore the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, the financial burden they experience, and the importance of incorporating their voices and needs into housing solutions.
Barriers Faced by Individuals with Disabilities: Approximately 64% of households in the US rely on assistive devices, underscoring the widespread impact of disability on housing requirements. However, the availability of accessible housing remains dismally low, with fewer than 5% of residences deemed livable for individuals with moderate mobility difficulties. This lack of accessibility perpetuates exclusion and denies individuals with disabilities the fundamental right to housing.
Financial Burden on Renters with Disabilities: A staggering reality is revealed in the financial strain faced by individuals with disabilities. In 2018 alone, over 4 million renters with disabilities spent more than half of their monthly income on rent, mortgage, and utilities. This excessive cost burden not only limits their ability to meet other essential needs but also exacerbates the cycle of poverty and inequality. It is crucial to recognize that individuals with disabilities are more likely to be extremely low-income renters, further exacerbating their housing challenges.
Discrimination and Marginalization: Discrimination against individuals with disabilities persists, contributing to their housing insecurity. They face higher rates of discrimination, limiting their choices and opportunities. To address survivor homelessness and housing insecurity effectively, it is essential to prioritize the voices and specific needs of survivors who are most impacted, including Black immigrant, LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, these needs often remain an afterthought in conversations surrounding actionable solutions.
Resources for Inclusion and Change: To delve deeper into the subject, we recommend accessing the following resources:
“Housing, Disability Justice, and Sexual Violence Prevention” by Natalie Sokol-Snyder: This 4-part blog series provides valuable insights into the foundations of disability justice, reasonable accommodation mandates, independent living supports, and prevention strategies. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the intersection between housing, disability justice, and violence prevention.
“The Importance of Home Healthcare” on the Hub: Engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Jody Michele Courtney, Danielle Pitmon, and Diane Pitmon, who shed light on the significance of home healthcare in supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting accessible housing.
“Learning from Lived Experiences: Policy Solutions from Culturally Specific Communities to Increase Survivor Access to and Retention of Safe Housing” – National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: This report focuses on policy solutions to enhance survivor access to safe housing. It emphasizes the critical need to include the perspectives and needs of marginalized communities in creating effective solutions.
Pursuing Housing Justice: Interventions for Impact: this This guide profiles a series of policy and programmatic interventions that advance housing justice, as defined in Building a Housing Justice Framework: “Ensuring everyone has affordable housing that promotes health, well-being, and upward mobility by confronting historical and ongoing harms and disparities caused by structural racism and other systems of oppression.”
The journey toward housing justice and violence prevention begins with recognizing the pressing need for accessible housing for individuals with disabilities. It is essential to break down the barriers that perpetuate inequality and discrimination, ensuring that housing solutions prioritize the needs of survivors most impacted. By embracing inclusivity, advocating for policy change, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, we can forge a path forward toward a more just and accessible future for all.
By Cierra Olivia Thomas Williams
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Indiana Disability Justice