The Observation Deck

I work for an agency that works with people with disabilities in the community to live and work (and have fun, when there is time! ). I work primarily in the near West neighborhoods (Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit-Shoreway) but am getting some cases in Lakewood (in hopes of eventually working here primarily).

I am kind of familiar with housing and apartment stock in my work places but not so much in Lakewood, beyond what I am interested in. I am assisting an individual who wants/needs to live on her own but is on a fixed income with SSI. I have some leads on some subsidized housing she might be eligible for but is it unreasonable to assume there is anything affordable for someone on their own on disability income?

When I looked for places when I moved up here, we were looking for two bedroom arrangements and we found nothing below $500.00. Is it reasonable to assume there is something decent for $350.00 per month?

I of course will be looking at the usual sources (rental guides, drive-by shopping, newspaper, etc.) but I figured I would throw it out to this crew.

Thanks!

Phil

I believe there are some decent one bedroom apartment deals to be had - in a double or triple on say Newman, or maybe above a store on Madison - in the $350 to $400. There are not light filled places with great views. But if I needed to, I would live there, and have lived in worse in other cities. I believe that's about as low as it gets in Lakewoood. It would pay to drive or walk around and make the contacts with your client. It is still a renter's market. You might be able to lock into a deal.

Kenneth Warren

Hi Phil,
I am a Social Worker here in Lakewood and work with a similar population. I have approximately 10-15 low income folks living primarily in the East end of Lakewood in apartment buildings. The majority live in one bedroom apartments that range from $425-$550. I believe that it would be very difficult to find a decent two bedroom for $350 in Lakewood. My SSI folks struggle financially but they are able to receive food assistance from the Lakewood Christian Service Center on Marlowe and many of them receive food stamps from DHS. Many of these individuals benefit from living in Lakewood since they are able to walk to stores,the post office,etc. in a safe environment. Good Luck.

Thanks for both responses! I was unclear in that we are looking for one-bedroom but until yesterday, I had only looked for two bedroom situations. But you catch my drift, though. $350 isn't bad and not a whole lot different than many of the decent places in Cleveland. Sure, there are lower prices but they aren't always the best buildings or homes to move into.

I will keep an eye out on the eastern end of the city. There is also a building on Detroit, I am told, that is offering subsidized housing to the MR/DD population. Welcome House runs it. I think it is the spots behind Aristocrat but I hadn't heard back from them when I left a message earlier. That would be ideal.

Do we have much/any Board and Care type homes? The bunch that I know about actually seem to be more located on the east side of Cleveland, for some reason. That would be a good deal for my person as well since it mixes some basic care (meals, anyway) and fixed housing costs. Hmm...

Thanks again!

Phil

Do we have much/any Board and Care type homes? The bunch that I know about actually seem to be more located on the east side of Cleveland, for some reason. That would be a good deal for my person as well since it mixes some basic care (meals, anyway) and fixed housing costs. Hmm...

Phil-

I live next door to a group home for MR/DD men on Clifton near the fire station. The home is operated by an organization called Parents Volunteer Association. I believe there is one for women in Lakewood as well.

Laurie Rhodes