Independent Perspective 1686 with guest Kahlil Simon on re-housing and eviction protection for people with disabilities.

Host:  Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Khalil Simon, Housing Specialist at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR). And I'm your host Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program Kahlil.

Guest:  Thank you for having me Ernie.

Host:  And it's our pleasure. You're here because there's been a particular demand of need for housing for individuals with disabilities in the Genesee region, and you're just the man to talk to us about that. First of all, what counties are covered by ILGR?

Guest:  Yes Ernie, ILGR covers Genesee County, Orleans County and Wyoming County.

Host:  Great, and I gather that there are a number of ways that you serve housing needs from Rapid Rehousing program to preventing evictions and whatnot. What are some of the things that you've been doing?

Guest:  Okay, well, under the eviction prevention programs, we've been trying to house individuals that are right now facing evictions, people who have been sheltered in place in motels that don't have a means to pay for that. And throughout two of the three counties. In Wyoming County, the Department of Social Services generally handles that shelter program. Right now, we've been very successful in doing so. We've helped a number of individuals get into housing using the Rapid Rehousing program, which kind of piggybacks off of that prevention program or so to speak. They are referred to us by the Department of Social Services in each individual county. And under the Rapid Rehousing program, we're able to provide them with first month security deposit and help ongoing as well as applying for a more permanent and stable housing subsidy.

Host:  Great, I know that there was a great need during the pandemic in the Genesee region because ILGR added three housing specialists and whenever human service agency can do that, you know, there's a definite need. How does one qualify for the Rapid Rehousing program?

Guest:  Under the Rapid Rehousing program, you first go to go to your local Department of Social Services, they will screen you there. And also, we have a second screening and an assessment that deems whether or not you're eligible for that program. So always start out at the local Department of Social Services. You seek out their assistance if you're denied assistance by them and you are truly homeless, you can come and see us for further assistance.

Host:  Terrific. Before the time gets totally away from us, I think that you can probably illustrate the sort of things that you do by telling some success stories that the agency has had without naming names of course.

Guest:  Absolutely, you know, more recently than not, we've had individuals in hotels, I'm going to give a broad success story here. We have transitioned people out from shelter assistance into more permanent and stable housing. We have even had it set up where some of our individuals even like they go on without a subsidy. We've been able to help them with employment, we've been able to help them with other aspects of their lives in which they are stable in society, and they're able to thrive

Host:  Yeah, that's right. Because you're part of a broader agency that has a wide range of services for individuals with disabilities. You can refer to your colleagues in the building there and help people get the other things they need.

Guest:  That’s an everyday thing, absolutely.

Host:  Great. Are there any other aspects of housing that we haven't yet to cover?

Guest:  Well, the only thing is with the moratorium being up right now the only thing that I would say is a concern is the rising rates in rents in this county. Now housing people, it's going to be difficult with those rent rates being high but we are determined, and we are committed to the idea of housing our individual, our consumers with disabilities, housing them and their families and just making them be a part of our, just making them not feel outside of society's realm. So even with those rising rent prices, we are still committed to doing what we do.

Host:  Yes, well, considering that the unemployment rate among people with disabilities is considerably higher than the population at large, even with the shortage of employees at this time, that's definitely a need. I'm sure people have had questions raised by our conversation. How can they reach you?

Guest:  They can call me by calling the ILGR main number which is 585-815-8501 and they can contact me directly at extension 417.

Host:  Kahlil, thank you so much for illuminating us and being our guest today.

Guest:  Thank you very much, Ernie, I appreciate the time.

Host:  Thanks. You’ve been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Kahlil Simon, Housing Specialist at ILGR and your hosts was yours truly, Ernie Churchwell.