Why are we so worried about affordable housing? Is it really true that people with disabilities who receive SSI can't afford to rent an apartment in today's market? Unfortunately, the rents for even studio or efficiency apartments generally cost more than what a single adult SSI recipient receives in an entire month. Can you imagine paying ALL of your income for rent, and still being in debt?

A study called "Priced Out in 2006" found that not only do SSI recipients have to pay all or more of their income for rent, but that even supplmental funds that states provide at their discretion aren't enough. For example, in Alaska, where people can get SSI and state funds, the average Alaskan with a disability on SSI still had to pay 77% of their income for a one bedroom apartment. Honestly, where does the government expect our people to live? Shelters? Boxes? Nursing homes? Guess what---they are in fact forced to do that!

Nationwide, the study analyzed all of the 2605 housing markets in the United States. In every market, the cost to rent even the most basic apartment is more than an SSI recipient's monthly check. Also, the study confirmed that people with disabilities are one of the poorest groups eligible for federal housing assistance. We are also getting poorer!

Many people feel that the way to stop being poor is to get a job. But for people who have SSI, trying to transfer from SSI to a regular job is extremely difficult, and it can be really hard to make ends meet to stay in a clean, safe home. Many people cannot work a forty hour work week, or will find themselves fired if they take too much time off tp take care of disability-related needs. This does not mean our people do not contribute to society. We are YOUR mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, and often we provide the unpaid labor that enables much of the rest of society to get by, such as childcare.

Part of the housing problem is that rents for one-bedroom apartments have increased dramatically over the last several years. Minimum wage falls far below what you need to pay for rent, all your bills, food and the extra things that come along. The value of SSI continues to drop because the cost of living continues to spiral out of control. We need more vouchers and more support for people to live in homes of their choice---and we're not talking about living like Mariah Carey.

So what needs to be done in the face of this situation, which continues to just get worse and worse? ADAPT is calling for bold, bipartisan steps by legislators and Federal agencies to right the wrong that keeps people with disabilities homeless, in nursing homes, or in institutions. We cannot wait for small handouts and what we're looking for isn't charity. We need strategies for fundamental systems change partnership towards accessible, integrated and AFFORDABLE housing for all.