About SPECIALTY HOMES

Our Mission:

Specialty Homes seeks to advance accessibility, independence, and inclusion in Northwest Indiana by providing safe and accessible housing to the differently abled community. We recognize that a home of one’s own is a cornerstone of independence and believe that everyone, including those with disabilities, deserve to live life as fully as possible in the home of their choice. We recognize that the poverty limit is not an accurate measure of economic insecurity in the United States when the cost of healthcare and differently abled life is so high which is why we assist those families with low to moderate income. This mission is accomplished through the development, management, and ownership of accessible affordable housing and home renovations for the differently abled community through a series of programs, volunteers, and donors like you. Together, we can turn houses into homes, one accessibility at a time.

Our Values:

Equitability: We fight for a world designed without barriers to access based on ability. We recognize that we live in a world where all people may have a right to the second floor but not all people are able to access it and strive for a more equitable society so that everyone can be a part of their community at whatever level they wish to engage in.

Autonomy: We embrace autonomy and independence because everyone, including those people with disabilities, deserve to live life as fully as possible in the home of their choice.

Learning: We are committed to the constant evolution of providing the best services possible. We expand our knowledge through research, evidence-based practices, and ongoing conversations and collaborations with those who are impacted by a current lack of access. We believe in sharing the knowledge we have gained because everyone has a voice and that voice deserves to be heard.

Collaboration: We recognize that those who work together grow together and we actively maintain partnerships with organizations and individuals who are supportive of our mission and our vision. We advocate with them to foster a more equitable and inclusive future.

Sustainability: We understand the importance of responsible use of our resources which calls for us to be open to opportunities and solutions that are imaginative, evolving, and open to future innovation.

Why it matters:

People with disabilities face many barriers to homeownership and without access to affordable housing in the community many face the risk of institutionalization or homelessness.

The United States is currently facing an affordable housing crisis and the cost of living has never been higher which is why we aim to help those families who fall within 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. This benchmark will allow us to help nearly the 100 million individuals who qualify, an estimated 12 million of which can be classified as the working underemployed - people who receive an income that is too high to qualify for monthly federal benefits but not enough money to reach adequate self-sufficiency.

This affordable housing crisis is only compounded further by the fact that 1 in 4 Americans has a disability, and many of these individuals live on a fixed income that is simply not viable. There are currently 5 million noninstitutionalized people with disabilities who rely on Supplemental Security Income at just over $9,000 a year. This renders their fixed income low enough to be unsustainable in every rental housing market in the nation.

We believe that everyone, including those people with disabilities, deserve to live life as fully as possible in the home of their choice. For people with disabilities this may mean living in a home with specific differently abled features and technologies such as lowered kitchens and sinks, wheel-in showers, and even outdoor ramps. We recognize accessible housing can be daunting when even an entrance with steps becomes a barrier between your home and the life you wish to lead and the cost of the solution may be more than your next paycheck.

Unfortunately, the current availability of safe and affordable accessible housing remains far less than the need, leaving many people with disabilities institutionalized, homeless, or trapped in a housing environment that is not suited to their needs. It is with this framework in mind that Specialty Homes seeks to assist those differently abled members of the community who qualify turn their house into a home, one accessibility project at a time.

Creating an Environment for All:

Here at Specialty Homes we see beyond the Fair Housing Act all the way to the amazing individual qualities that make you who you are. From the people we help to the people we hire, we support and validate everyone's self identity surrounding race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, age, and accessibility needs. We promote equity, and not just equality, because everyone should have both the right and the ability to access the second floor. We strive to elevate everyone we come in contact with because empowered people empower others, and with your help our community can reach new accessible heights free from discrimination of any kind as we work towards turning houses into homes one accessibility at a time.