Supported Living in Arlington: Havalah's Story
Supported Living in Arlington
Havalah is a 34 year old woman with I/DD and has lived in a house shared with older male roommate with Down syndrome for two years now. A caregiver is on staff at the apartment 24 hours a day. In a typical day, Havalah is learning how to take care of her home and a caregiver is there to prepare meals and assist with chores. On Sundays, she enjoys the Voices of the Village concerts at Smokey Point. She loves watching the kites at Boxcar Park in Everett. A special treat is going to Courageous Connections to visit the horses.
Havalah’s caregiving is provided by Village Community Services. Village is contracted through DDA. Havalah’s CORE waiver allows her to receive 24 hour caregiving. Her family takes comfort in knowing Village’s caregivers are specially trained in assisting adults with I/DD and are continually receiving education.
Havalah pays for her reduced rent (due to a housing voucher) from her monthly SSI benefit. The rest of her SSI goes towards other living expenses. Her parents set up a special needs trust through the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund. She does not have an ABLE account yet although her parents will likely set up one soon. Without an ABLE account, her account balance needs to remain under $2000. Special Needs Trusts are able to pay for anything to make her life better like medical care, electronics, hobbies, and entertainment. The trust is not designed for basic expenses because that is what SSI (public benefits) should be used for.
In order to receive services from Village, an individual must be qualified for a CORE waiver through DDA. Village may be able to place a client in an apartment with other clients if there is a vacancy. Village considers roommate compatibility and support needs among other factors when accepting clients. In addition to caregiving, Village offers employment services and an experience learning center where clients gain life skills and job readiness in a fun environment.
If you want to start planning for your loved one’s independent living future, contact the Arc of Snohomish County and we can help you create a plan based on your vision.
*****
*****
Community Residential Services for Adults
DDA Eligibility and Services Guide