[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF HOUSING CHOICES COALITION FOR PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL 
                              DISABILITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2017

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues Congresswoman Anna 
Eshoo and Congressman Jimmy Panetta, I rise today to acknowledge 
Housing Choices Coalition for persons with Developmental Disabilities 
(Housing Choices). This organization was founded in 1997 with the goal 
of creating quality, affordable housing opportunities for people with 
developmental disabilities in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San 
Benito Counties.
  Because of the lack of affordable and inclusive housing choices for 
people with developmental disabilities, Housing Choices was launched 
with the mission of enhancing the quality of life for people with 
developmental disabilities. Their hope was to relieve the segregation 
sometimes experienced by adults in restrictive residential facilities.
  Housing Choices partnership model of permanent supportive housing for 
people with developmental disabilities seeks to work with local 
jurisdictions and housing developers to secure long-term commitments of 
rental units in new affordable housing properties for people with 
developmental disabilities. Residents are then assisted in maintaining 
their housing with an onsite Resident Coordinator. This housing model 
promotes integration of people with developmental disabilities in 
typical affordable housing communities.
  Since 2002, Housing Choices has provided housing advice to 3,000 
people with developmental disabilities. They further support housing 
stability for residents by providing on-site resident support services 
for hundreds of people. Housing Choices' approach has helped over 1,000 
people with developmental disabilities annually navigate entry points 
into the community's supply of affordable rental housing properties.
  Housing Choices helps residents with developmental disabilities 
understand and comply with lease terms and property rules to prevent 
evictions. They accomplish this by helping to resolve problems with 
neighbors, roommates, and property managers. Housing Choices sponsors 
regular workshops and social events for residents. This helps foster 
leadership among tenants By fostering understanding and respect they 
also help create supportive communities of friends and neighbors to 
further integrate residents into their community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring HCC for twenty years of 
extraordinary leadership and advocacy in the community of San Jose and 
for persons with disabilities globally.