Partnership to build homes for those with autism

Partnership to build homes for those with autism

The Autism Council of Rochester Inc. is partnering with Flower City Habitat for Humanity to create a unique housing program for individuals and families living with autism.

The first-of-its-kind partnership will focus on removing barriers that prevent families from fully participating in homeownership. Those barriers include necessary accommodations for sensory needs modifications, which may be a challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum and could prevent them from being able to enjoy their physical surroundings and comfort within the home.

The program has five applicants in the process.

“We are very excited about the new housing program and the steps being taken to serve a vastly underserved group in our community,” Autism Council Founder and Executive Director Lawana Jones said in a statement. “As a parent of someone living with autism, I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges living situations can create on a daily basis.”

Groundbreaking for the first two homes in the program will take place in June.

“We are truly gratified to be in partnership with the Autism Council of Rochester. We look forward to providing homes that will allow each individual to be fully supported and truly benefit from their living environment,” said Matt Flanigan, Flower City Habitat for Humanity CEO. “We know the impact on our homebuyers and their families will be a lasting one. We look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our mission of building homeownership, communities and hope.”

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