Housing Terms
accessible home
Home equipped with permanent, fixed features, such as lowered counters and wide doors.
adaptable home
A home equipped with features that can be added or removed as needed.
advocacy
To plead or argue for the cause of another person, as defined by that other person, because that other person is not listened to in his or her own right.
affordable housing
As defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), housing whose rent and utilities are below 30 percent family income.
Area Median Family Income (AMFI)
Income measurement based on family size and location, used to determine eligibility for programs. Income categories are: extremely low-income (below 30 percent AMFI), very-low income (30 to 50 percent AMFI), and low-income (50 to 80 percent AMFI).
assistive technology
Devices which enhance physical, sensory and cognitive abilities.
Consolidated Plan (ConPlan)
Comprehensive planning process required by HUD for
four major federal funds. State and local governments
develop and report their plans for meeting housing,
homeless, community and economic development
needs.
Fair Market Value
Value of rent on the open market.
The Four A's
Four major housing issues facing persons with TBI and
other disabilities: Affordability, Availability, Accessibility
and Advocacy.
McKinney Continuum of Care
A coordinated, community-based planning process that
provides a comprehensive
response to the differing needs of
homeless individuals and families.
over-crowding
When a housing unit houses more than one person per
room, per Census Bureau.
portability
A section 8 voucher holder's right to carry a tenant-based
voucher to any other Public Housing Authority (PHA).
Public Housing Authority (PHA) Plan
Process required by HUD in which PHAs define priorities
and formulate strategic plans for serving persons with low
incomes. The five-year plan must reflect the goals of the
local ConPlan.
reasonable accommodation
A landlord or program must make requested changes in
rules, policies, practices or services to afford "equal
opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling," if those changes
do not unduly burden or fundamentally alter the
program.
reasonable modification
A landlord must allow a tenant to alter the premises if the
change is disability-related and necessary to fully use and
enjoy the housing unit.
transitional housing
Temporary housing and services for homeless persons,
generally up to 24 months.
universal design
Design which incorporates features of accessible and
adaptable homes into homes intended for the general
housing market.
"worst case housing needs"
Very low-income renters have "worst case" housing needs
if they spend more than half of their gross income on
housing costs or live in severely inadequate housing.
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