"No Place like Home"

“There is no place like home, there is no place like home.” This quote was famously said by Judy Garland (Dorothy) in the Wizard of Oz. This should be a universal way in which people view housing. In California, the housing market is not too good. There is continuously a lack of funding from the California budget regarding many things including housing. But, people are making do with what they have and what different organizations have to offer.

The Center for Independent Living (CIL) located in Berkeley CA, is making a difference. On May 24^th, around 50 people came to CIL and got to hear about a number of organizations that help people with disabilities and seniors with housing and shelter programs and needs. The presentation was called “Housing 101” Organizations included; CIL – Housing Dept and Modification program, Berkeley Housing Authority, St James Hotel, Eden I/R or 211, St Mary’s Center, Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (   Veteran Administration), Alameda County Area Agency on Aging, A Place for Mom's Family, Resources for Community Development, and the Oakland housing authority. The presenters gave a brief summary of each of their organization and after the forum the audience was free to walk around and talk to the representatives from the different organizations.

One particular way that the people universally can get information about housing and social services is by dialing 211. This service is available in many different languages 24/7 and is free for anyone to call. The representative described 211, as being an informational line in which a live operator would answer and be able to help people with everyday tasks such as getting groceries and paying bills. The woman who came was from the Alameda section of 211 and said that Alameda County also helps people with housing. The 211 service also will call homeless shelters every morning and evening and help people to find shelter to stay during the night. There is a database of about 2700 organizations that help people out in California.

A big emphasis was also put on housing and programs for seniors and veterans. Places like "A Place for Mom’s Family", Alameda County Area on Aging, and Affairs Supportive Housing (Veteran Administration) all help seniors and vets. A woman from CIL who did in home accommodations such as grab bars to get in and out of a shower, ramps and other in home assistive living devices was there. She talked about how it is the law that these things must be allowed to be put in.

All of the organizations were able to give out information on affordable housing and finding shelters that will help single women. The whole point that all of the organizations were trying to get across was to keep people from going to a nursing home and able them to stay at their own houses. It was mentioned that it would cost 5 times more to send a person to a nursing home than it would to have organizations that would help them with In Home Health Services (IHSS).  All in the entire workshop was a success. Participants were able to gather a lot of information from that panel of esteemed speakers and were hopefully able to get what they need. There are different housing workshops and programs at CIL every week. If you or somebody you know is in need of housing information, please feel free to come to the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley and see what you can learn.