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The ROOF Connector
Connecting you with housing news and resources
July 2016
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Your gift can help empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities obtain and maintain inclusionary housing of their choice.
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We invite you to learn more about ROOF
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Click above for our save the date!
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Save the Date:
The 2016 ROOF/APSE Partners for Progress Conference
Residential Options of Florida (ROOF) and the Florida Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst (APSE) are excited to announce the 2016 Partners for Progress Conference that will be held October 12th to 14th, 2016 at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, Florida.
The conference will feature multiple workshops and plenary speakers, including Pam Dorr, innovative community developer and executive director of
Hale Empowerment & Revitalization Organization, Inc. (HERO)
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ROOF has partnered with the Florida chapter of APSE to combine efforts to offer this conference on housing and employment for people with developmental disabilities in Florida.
The variety of workshops explores resources for individuals with disabilities, their families, disability service providers, business owners and other potential employers, housing organizations and community leaders.
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National Housing Trust Fund Allocation 30-Day Comment Period Open Until July 28th
On June 28th, Florida Housing Finance Corporation announced the commencement of the 30-day period for public review and comment of the proposed National Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan and a public hearing to which all persons are invited on July 28th.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that collections for 2016
in the new federal National Housing Trust Fund program have provided over $173 million in funding throughout the country. The National Housing Trust Fund is a new federal program that provides funding for affordable housing for Extremely Low Income (ELI) households with incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income, including people with disabilities who receive SSI payments. The State of
Florida has been allocated $4.6 million in funding. Florida must submit an allocation plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and there is opportunity for you to provide input on the proposed plan.
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ROOF Panel on Independent Housing Options
at the 18th Annual Family Cafe
Sheryl Soukup, executive director of Residential Options of Florida (ROOF), facilitated a panel presentation on June 6th at the 18th Annual Family Cafe in Orlando, Florida.
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Self-advocate, Nicole Coratti, shares her independent-living success story
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The panel consisted of Soukup along with self-advocates, Nicole Coratti, and Miranda Johnson, ROOF Advisory Council member.
The presenters provided helpful tips on navigating independent residential options and resources for finding inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing.
Attendees were able to engage with the panelists and weigh in on a variety of independent living options, evaluating options based on an individual's needs.
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ABLE Act: Activated in Florida!
On July 1
st
, Florida became one of the first three states in the country to implement the federal
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014, which gives states the ability to implement a qualified ABLE program and establish ABLE accounts for people with developmental disabilities that meet certain criteria.
The Florida ABLE United Program provides qualifying Floridians with developmental disabilities the opportunity to have tax-free savings accounts without losing their federal benefits. To qualify, the account holder must be a Florida Resident, have a qualifying disability, and have been disabled before their 26th birthday. Individuals and their families can save up to $14,000 a year in their ABLE United accounts before disability benefits are jeopardized - a stark contrast to the previous $2,000 asset limit.
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Guest Article - Meet Anna
Anna Gil is a native Floridian. At 50 years old, she has been fortunate to live in a family home.
Just before Anna's mother passed away, her assisted care was secured with the help of the Med-Waiver program that provided additional funding for her living costs, besides her Medicare.
Once on the waiver, Anna was connected with Gloria Longo, her Green Light Assistant. Anna needed assistance with finding roommates among her other needs.
Anna works tirelessly with her other roommates to maintain their shared home. She says, "I am very grateful of Gloria Longo since she started to assist me years ago." Anna is very happy to maintain her home and share it with her roommates who have become like family.
Nicole Coratti is an active self-advocate residing in Southwest Florida
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Residential Options of Florida | 239-774-ROOF (7663)
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2640 Golden Gate Parkway Suite 112-A
Naples FL 34105
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