Accessible Dreams and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, are joining together to reach out to the Veteran community to let them  know we are here to provide home repair, home modifications and new home construction.

Although both organizations offer similar home construction and remodeling services,  Accessible Dreams focus on moderate to high income levels for persons with disabilities, while Habitat for Humanity focuses on all veterans earning 30 to 60% of median income. If you or a Veteran you know is in need of home repairs, please call for more information at 412-276-1734.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - SOUTH edition featured a story about the Liadis family and the impact a barrier-free home will have in their day-to-day quality of life.  Read more…. http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/nonprofit-agency-helps-bethel-park-family-with-disabilities-get-new-accessible-home-643452/

Almanac’s front page story discusses Accessible Dreams home search services for the disability community. Read more…. Almanac – June 27-12 Story

Washington-Observer Reporter published a story of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony highlighting the family who was eligible for the barrier-free home.  Read more… Washington-Observer Article on Family Moving into Accessible Home

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) highlighted the Grace Ave Accessible Home Buyer Assistance Program as a good example for HOME fund use.  Read more…  http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/pennsylvania/stories/2012-06-22

Senator Solobay highlights the need for accessible homes and congratulates Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington and Accessible Dreams for a creating a team to make and affordable home happen in his On-Point newsletter.  Read more…. http://www.senatorsolobay.com/enews/2012_06-22-ethane_on-point.htm

New home owners congratulated by Washington County Commissioner Harlan Shober and Executive Director Bill McGowen

TRIPIL Board with Liadis Family at Open House

Remodel Master Bath

When my ALS got to the point where I needed a walker and help showering, it was clear that my house was not going to be able to accommodate the inevitable progression ofthe disease.  Small bathrooms, narrow doorways, and a front entrance more than one story above street level were far from accessible.  I weighed options to buy or rent an accessible house or apartment, move to an independent or assisted living facility, or renovate my house.

Looking online at houses and apartments was frustrating because there’s no easy way to filter by accessibility.  After looking through listings of ranch homes, it seemed like almost all would need some modification anyway.  So then I thought a facility would make the most sense.  I was really surprised that just about every retirement or independent living community has floor plans that make no sense for wheelchairs – kitchens with islands and breakfast bars, tight turns into bedrooms and baths, small bathrooms with tubs and no space for transfers!  The more I looked, the more I preferred to stay in my current home.  I had skilled family and friends willing to do the work, I just needed advice on the design.

I heard about a new group who might provide the support I needed. Truthfully, I didn’t know what I was getting into when I contacted Accessible Dreams. I thought they’d give me some ideas and then I’d save money by making it a DIY project.  Thank heavens we didn’t try to do this on our own!

continue reading…

New Affordable Construction – Barrier Free Lifestyle for you!

$97,500*   SOLD

Canonsburg, Pennsylvania – Buyers who qualify for a mortgage of $97,500 can move into a new home, built for accessibility in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, just 30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and all the excitement of football, baseball, hockey, symphony and the  theater!  The home features three bedrooms,two full baths (one accessible) and is made affordable through the CHDO Home Buyer Assistance Program, funded by HUD and administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County (RACW).

continue reading…

Excerpt Taken from the National Council on Disabilities’ Report

“Housing in the 21^st Century – A Disability Perspective”

January, 2010

continue reading…

Veterans dedicate their lives defending our country, but a lot of veterans come home having sacrificed far more than expected.  For these veterans and their families, adapting to a new way of living well with a disability begins at home, a barrier-free home.

continue reading…

Susan came to Accessible Dreams after six months of searching for a home where she would not have to scale steps to walk her dog or do laundry. “There are no affordable homes that will allow me to live independently.” Susan said. “I need help finding a home that fits my needs at a price I can afford.”

continue reading…