Choosing where and how to live is a fundamental right. The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has launched a program dedicated to assisting individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD) in discovering housing opportunities within Illinois communities.
This program is designed for individuals with DD who are either already receiving Medicaid waiver services or have been selected from the PUNS list. Housing Navigators, employed by Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies, are available to guide individuals through the rental application process and beyond.
What Support Does an ISC Housing Navigator Offer?
- Identifying affordable housing options tailored to your budget.
- Locating accessible housing that meets your specific needs.
- Collaborating with your ISC Services Coordinator to connect you with a Provider Agency capable of delivering the necessary support services in your new home.
Are You Eligible for Housing Navigation?
You may be eligible for this program if you:
- Have a diagnosed developmental disability.
- Aspire to live in your own apartment or home.
- Are currently receiving support services at home or in a group home setting.
- Have been selected from the PUNS list.
- Are eligible for or currently receive Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBS) services.
Where Could You Live?
- In a community that you choose and prefer.
- Living independently or with self-selected roommates, including family members.
The State of Illinois is committed to expanding housing options, empowering individuals with DD to receive services while living in the setting of their choice and direction.
How to Learn More About Housing Navigation
- Contact your local Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency via phone or email (see the contact list below).
- Inquire specifically about Housing Navigation services.
- Include independent living goals in your Discovery and Personal Plan discussions with your ISC coordinator.
Who to Contact for Housing Navigation Assistance
| ISC | Housing Navigator | Phone | Region(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Illinois Service Access | Jamie Lenox | 217-732-4731 | [email protected] | I Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Greene, Hancock, Kersey, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, McLean, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Tazewell, Woodford |
| Community Alternatives Unlimited | Miranda Martinicky | 773-867-4000 | [email protected] | B City of Chicago North/Northwest, Lake, Northern Suburban Cook |
| Community Service Options | Felicia Wilson | 773-471-4700 | [email protected] | C City of Chicago South/Southwest |
| Prairieland Service Coordination Inc. | Miriah Bush | 309-921-9102 | [email protected] | G Fulton, Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Warren |
| Prairieland Service Coordination Inc. | Bruce Butler | 217-362-6128 | [email protected] | J Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Ford, Iroquois, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby, Vermilion |
| Prairieland Service Coordination Inc. | Christina Scott | 618-288-1897 | [email protected] | K Madison, St. Clair |
| Service Inc. | Carrie Callery | 815-391-8321 | [email protected] | A Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, La Salle, Lee, Marshall, Mc Henry, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago |
| Service Inc. | Janelle Napalit | 331-551-6644 | [email protected] | E DuPage, Kane, Kendall |
| Service Inc. | Karen Edgar | 815-768-4347 | [email protected] | F Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Will |
| Southern Illinois Case Coordination | Morgan Sanders | 800-828-7422 | [email protected] | H Alexander, Bond, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Edwards, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, Williamson |
| Suburban Access | John Leouses | 708-799-9190 | [email protected] | D Suburban Cook County – South, Southwest and Northwest |
Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Navigation
What is the IDHS-DDD/ICDD ISC Housing Navigator Pilot Program?
The ISC Housing Navigator Pilot Program is a collaborative effort between the IDHS-DDD and the Illinois Council for Developmental Disabilities (ICDD). Its primary aim is to facilitate access to independent community living for individuals with developmental disabilities. This includes crucial support such as identifying suitable and available housing, assistance with the housing search and application processes, and seamless coordination with both Independent Service Coordination (ISC) case management and DD Services Providers to ensure ongoing support. Furthermore, the program provides access to Housing Transition Funds, designed to ease the financial burden of moving. Housing Navigator support encompasses identifying available housing units, assisting with housing search and applications, coordinating with Independent Service Coordination (ISC) case management and DD Services Providers for ongoing support, and providing access to Housing Transition Funds.
Who is Eligible for Support from the Housing Navigator Program?
The Housing Navigator Program is accessible to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) who are enrolled in or eligible for Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services (I/DD) through the State of Illinois Medicaid program. This encompasses individuals recently added from the PUNS list, as well as those already receiving services through home-based supports, CILA, I-CILA, ICF-DD, or SODC. It’s important to note that this pilot program is not currently available to individuals enrolled in the DRS Home Services program.
Understanding Supportive Housing
Supportive housing is an approach that integrates stable housing with comprehensive support services. It aims to offer individuals with DD the opportunity to live in independent housing within their communities, fostering a life that is integrated and comparable to that of individuals without disabilities. Supportive housing is recognized as a cost-effective intervention that utilizes affordable, stable housing as a foundation for delivering individualized, person-centered support, empowering each person to thrive in their own home. Residents of supportive housing may live alone or with chosen roommates. Financial accessibility is often ensured through housing subsidies.
Participating ISCs in the Pilot Program
Currently, 7 ISC agencies are actively participating in the Housing Navigator pilot program:
- Community Alternatives Unlimited
- Community Service Options
- Central Illinois Service Access
- Champaign Co Regional Planning Commission
- Prairie Land Service Coordination Inc.
- Service Inc. of Illinois
- Suburban Access Inc.
Is Housing Navigation Only for Individuals Seeking Solo Living Arrangements?
No. Housing Navigation is designed to support individuals with I/DD who aspire to live inclusively within their communities. This encompasses various living arrangements, including living alone or with a roommate of their choice, who may or may not have a disability. Integrated housing settings may involve multiple co-signers on a lease, where all parties are afforded tenant protections and share responsibilities for upholding the lease agreement.
Types of Homes Secured Through Housing Navigation
ISC Housing Navigators focus on identifying housing options within landlord-managed properties, where individuals will enter into a standard lease agreement. All identified dwellings must be appropriately zoned and feature self-contained unit access to essential amenities such as a bathroom, living space, and kitchen. Furthermore, units must meet health and safety standards, including adequate exits, functioning windows, and sound electrical and plumbing systems. Property owners with apartments or homes available for rent to individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact Housing Navigators to include their properties in the program’s inventory. Currently, Housing Navigators are not facilitating connections for individual room rentals within shared housing arrangements.
Funding for Furnishing New Apartments
The ICDD has provided Housing Transition Funding to participating ISCs. This flexible funding is specifically for individuals utilizing Housing Navigation services and can be used to acquire essential household items, such as furniture, to ensure a successful transition into their new homes.
Pilot Program Duration
This Housing Navigation pilot program is designed to run for a 2-year period, from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024.
Assistance with Rent or Home Purchase Costs
Currently, the program does not offer direct assistance with rent payments or home purchasing costs. It is important to note that Medicaid waivers cannot be used to cover housing expenses.
Referring Current CILA Residents to the Program
DD Services providers are encouraged to refer individuals within their programs who have expressed interest in transitioning to independent, community-based housing. Contacting the ISC to enroll them in the pilot program is the recommended next step for interested individuals.
