Housing assistance is by far the most requested service from MOBILE. There is a desperate need in Central Ohio for more affordable and accessible housing. Please know that you are not alone in your search and frustrations. MOBILE is constantly trying to improve the quantity and quality of housing for persons with disabilities in Central Ohio.

In your search, asking yourself the following questions may be helpful in relocating.

1. What has been the main problem or reason for not being able to find an apartment?
2. Do you receive disability income? Do you use any device to help you walk? Can you climb stairs?
3. What is your monthly income? To help you find an apartment, the most important factor is how much can you afford on rent and utilities.
4. How many bedrooms do you need to pay for?
5. How old are you? It is easier for persons over 60 to find an affordable unit.
6. Where are you living now? Do you want to stay in this neighborhood? Are there any neighborhoods that are absolutely out of the question? Please be realistic in relation to your income. Also consider access to shopping, doctor's office, etc.
7. Do you have a pet? If a dog, how much does it weigh? Are you willing to give up your pet if the landlord will not allow it? Is your pet considered a support animal?
8. Do you have a car and need parking? Do you need to be on a bus line? Do you need an accessible bus? Consider the frequency of the lift equipped bus on this line.

This will help you to communicate your needs better, and your search will be more effective and efficient

The following is the information that MOBILE has on file as of July 2000:

• If you want to move because of a structural barrier in your current living environment, MOBILE'S Home Modification Program may be helpful to you. Call Felisa 443-5936 for an application. (It usually takes a year to complete the home modification project).
• MOBILE'S Accessible Apartment Guide is most useful to those who need a one floor plan or wheelchair accessible unit and are not on a fixed income.
• If you are on a fixed income, make sure you can afford some of the lower priced apartments in the guide (remember, there are yearly changes and increases in rent, call for current prices).
• If you need a one bedroom and receive SSI, direct your attention to the units that are marked as "subsidized," particularly those in the back of the guide.
• If you need 2 or more bedrooms for family and cannot afford as much as $385/month, the only thing we can suggest is to put your name on the waiting list at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), 421-4477, or at other subsidized complexes in the city (refer to list enclosed). As soon as possible.

For low income single persons who do not need to live in a complex for seniors/handicapped, we often suggest: Stoddard Studio Apartments and/or Starr/High Apartments. However, you must make at least $6,000/year-those who receive only SSI do not qualify.

Stoddard Studio Apartments (224-1544) Contact Pat Marshall

• All units are $325.00 monthly, with utilities included (except phone and cable).
• Qualifying income can not exceed $20,050 annually. Square footage 300 feet.

Starr/High Apartments (291-5880)

• Rent is based on square footage of apartment size.
• Lowest monthly rent is $257.00- qualifying income not to exceed $15,420.00 annually. 
• Highest monthly rent is $340.00-qualifying income not to exceed $20,050.00 annually.
• All rent include utilities (except phone and cable).

If you have a significant mobility disability and are very low income, try Denune Ave. Apartments. Call (497-0272).

If you do not have trouble climbing stairs and receive SSI or other very low income, check out the list of apartments that are subsidized and not owned or managed by CMHA. Most of these will have waiting lists but keep calling and put your name on some of those with shorter lists.

If you have a significant psychiatric or emotional disability and low income, contact your local mental health center. There is an organization called Community Housing Network that contacts with the local centers. CHN manages the apartments, but all residents must be receiving support services from an ADAMH treatment team..

If you have HIV/AIDS, the Columbus AIDS Task Force can help individuals and families to obtain and locate affordable housing. (Rent based on income). Contact Sylvia Cuvas at 299-2437 Ext. 203.

If you have a Section 8 Certificate, CMHA has a list of rentals that are available where you can use your certificate - it is updated each month. However, you will need to go to CMHA to get it. If you have MOBILE'S Apartment Guide, focus your attention on pg. 1&2. Also, apartment listings in the newspaper sometimes advertise that they will accept the certificate.

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