Marketing and Communications Manager
January 23, 2012
Recently we have had an influx of questions about our Housing Works Program. Below are some of the answers to those questions. For more information, or to view the progress of our homes, you can visit our website at www.bergenunitedway.org.
What are Orchard Commons , the Roberts House and Crescent Commons
Who runs Orchard Commons , the Roberts House and Crescent Commons
Allendale Housing Inc. owns all three properties. The BCUW/Madeline Corporation Partnership were the developers and now oversee the ongoing property management and is responsible for the maintenance of the property, which includes landscaping, snow removal, and problems with major appliances. BCUW/Madeline Corporation is NOT the service provider. Orchard Commons , the Roberts House and Crescent Commons
When construction is complete, who will live at Crescent Commons?
Six adults living with a disability who are in need of Multiple Sclerosis support services and eighteen adults with developmental disabilities (such as Asperger’s, Down syndrome, Williams Syndrome, etc).
What are the eligibility requirements?
Each applicant must have a diagnosed developmental disability from a licensed professional, demonstrate the ability to live independently without supervision, self- medicate, meet eligibility requirements for a low-income housing voucher, show placement on the DDD waiting list, have an active service provider who provides ongoing supportive services that is willing to enter into a formal agreement with BCUW, submit a letter of recommendation from that service provider, and demonstrate means of income.
What is the role of a service provider?
A service provider delivers individualized supportive services. The service provider can be a licensed professional or agency, such as a non-profit organization. The service provider is self selected by the tenant. This is known as the consumer choice model. The service provider must be willing to enter into a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BCUW/Madeline Corporation to ensure that they will provide the appropriate ongoing services that are required for the tenant to be successful in living independently.
What types of support do service providers offer?
Service providers tailor services based on the individual’s needs, which vary person to person, and can change over time. Some examples of different services include case management, cleaning, assistance with budgeting, menu planning, travel training, or job coaching.
If I don’t have a service provider, how can I find one?
You can contact your DDD Case Manager for assistance, or locate one based on your specific needs at www.fscnj.org. Then, click on Services and then Resource Database.
How are these services paid for?
The individual and his/her family organize the best way to utilize financial resources. Some examples of how services are paid for include, 1) Self directed day services budget, 2) Medicaid, 3) private pay, 4) earnings from employment, or 5) SSI income.
How does the application process work?
The public will be notified of available housing by mailing list, through local newspaper ads, or through a local service provider. Each open application has a specific time frame in which it must be completed and submitted including any additional documentation that may be required. All applications received by the submission deadline will be assigned an identifying number and a lottery will be held. The identified individuals will then have their application reviewed, and if eligibility criteria are met, an interview will be scheduled. Selection will not be determined until all interviews have been conducted.
Are there any scheduled activities or outings?
The tenants of the community will have access to the Community Room to organize activities. BCUW/Madeline Corporation hosts monthly tenant meetings where news and updates are provided, as well as providing an opportunity for tenants to discuss any property issues or concerns. There are no formalized activities or outings that are arranged by a particular agency; rather, the tenants are encouraged to arrange their own gatherings.
What do the tenants do for transportation?
The tenants are responsible for their own transportation to get to/from where they need to go. Some tenants have cars and drive, others take public transportation, at times the tenants will pay for a taxi, and others rely on other types of resources, whether it may family member or a day program. Access Link currently does not service Allendale. The train is within walking distance from each property, which is a common means of transportation. BCUW/Madeline Corporation is advocating for other possible modes of transportation, but currently cannot guarantee that other types of transportation will become available.
What do the tenants do during the day?
Currently, the tenants of Orchard Commons and the Roberts House work, go to college, and/or attend day programs. They also participate in social clubs, play sports in recreational leagues, and volunteer at their local place of worship. It is expected that the tenants of Crescent Commons will have similar lifestyles.
How are the roommates paired up?
Roommate selection is primarily based on gender, age, and common interests. Other factors are taken into consideration, such as schedule/routine, family demographics, disability and support needs.
Who cooks and cleans?
The tenants cook and clean for themselves. Some residents receive assistance from their service providers to help with certain tasks such as cleaning or doing laundry. Some residents/roommates pay for a cleaning service 1x per month to help with more physically challenging tasks (vacuuming, scrubbing the shower, cleaning the oven, etc).
Is there a waiting list?
We do not have a waiting list. We are maintaining a database with the contact information for individuals interested in living in our housing developments. The National MS Society’s Northern NJ Chapter is also maintaining a database for interested individuals who are in need of housing combined with MS support services.
What are the visitation rules?
Our residences are not group homes or institutional facilities; therefore, there are no parameters about visiting hours. Each tenant can have visitors at their own will and discretion. However, there are guidelines within the lease that specify details on overnight guests and length of stay.
Are there vacancies?
Right now there are no openings at Orchard Commons
Is there local preference?
Local preference is given to applicants that currently live in the municipality where the housing development is located. For example, lifelong residents of the town of Allendale
Is a security deposit required?
Each tenant will be responsible to pay a security deposit. This amount will be calculated by the local Department of Community Affairs (DCA) office, based off of the individual’s income and the fair market rent amount of what type of unit they will be occupying (1 bedroom or 2 bedrooms). Each applicant must meet the affordable housing guidelines.
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee.
How is rent determined?
If a tenant is receiving an SRAP (State Rental Assistance Voucher), the resident’s responsibility toward the monthly rent is 30% of their gross income.
Do I have to pay utilities?
Tenants who live in a one bedroom apartment will be responsible to pay their own utilities. Tenants who live in a two bedroom setting do not have to pay a separate utility bill- the amount is included in the cost of the rent.
Are pets allowed?
Tenants are not allowed to have pets.
How will housing be maintained over the long term?
The physical property will be maintained by the BCUW/Madeline partnership. The tenants will maintain independent living with assistance from their service provider(s) and any active family or friends who take on a responsibility role.
What happens when I pass away or am no longer able to care for my loved one?
As tenants transition into independent living, it is encouraged that the family prepare for ongoing life plans. This would include agreements primarily with the service provider, and any additional family, friends or neighbors. We encourage families to start planning who will be involved in their loved one’s life to assist with ongoing needs and provide a caring support system. Families are also encouraged to identify and address other types of living situations, should they become necessary. For example, a nursing home may need to be identified during the planning process for a tenant who may later in life have a higher risk of becoming non-ambulatory.
What does the future hold for these Very Special Homes?
The BCUW/Madeline partnership is committed to continuing development of special needs housing. As information about our other projects becomes available, we will be sharing that information on our website www.bergenunitedway.org as well. Please check back here regularly for more information on what else is in the pipeline.
Where can I get more information about the National MS Society?
