Housing Services
Housing services are provided through advocacy training and the skills development program. As a tenant, you have specific rights and responsibilities, and we can help you understand what they are. Mountain State Centers for Independent Living (MTSTCIL) can assist you in finding housing by providing you with resources to contact.
Services for people with disabilities in West Virginia
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). These seven groups are known as “protected classes.”
Finding a new home
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but there are many things to consider before moving. The skills development program can help you learn to look for housing, know what questions to ask when talking to a property owner, and learn how to create a budget that covers the costs of moving into new housing.
Fair Housing Law
Because of the Fair Housing Amendments, property owners cannot discriminate against people with disabilities. Housing training can help you become a self-advocate: we will assist you in learning your rights, filing complaints, and learning which agencies can help with your advocacy efforts. Housing training can also include details on how to develop a household budget, how to keep your living space clean and safe, and how to fill out applications and forms when you are looking for housing.
To learn more about your rights and the Fair Housing laws, take the skills training class on this Web site: Fair Housing.
MTSTCIL staff stays current with local, state, and national legislation that may affect housing availability for people with disabilities and will keep you informed of any legislative changes.
MTSTCIL can help you understand how the law affects you and encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
If you are interested in learning more about housing services, in Cabell and Wayne Counties, please contact JoAnna Hammond 304- 962-5332 or email at jhammond@mtstcil.org
For more information in Fayette and Raleigh Counties, please contact Stephanie Hill 304-962-0005 or email at shill@mtstcil.org
