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CENTRAL PA HOUSING LEADERS TO DISCUSS ISSUES FACING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Regional housing survey results to be released at September 21 seminar in Carlisle The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania (CILCP) and other area housing leaders will hold a Cumberland/Perry Local Housing Options Team (LHOT) seminar on Wednesday, September 21. Finding housing near sources of accessible transportation will be one of many topics discussed.   (Camp Hill, Pa.) - The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania (CILCP) and other area housing leaders will hold a Cumberland/Perry Local Housing Options Team (LHOT) seminar on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Carlisle. During the seminar, which begins at 8 a.m. and ends at noon, LHOT will release the results of an accessible housing survey conducted this summer. Social service agencies throughout Cumberland and Perry counties distributed the survey to people with disabilities who were seeking housing services. The survey will help LHOT identify the primary housing issues facing people with disabilities. "The seminar and the survey will help us better address accessible housing needs," Ann Neimer of CILCP said. "Locating accessible housing is one of many issues facing people with disabilities who are seeking a place to live. They must also consider access to transportation, locating attendant care services, as well as a number of different issues." The seminar is intended for service providers, organizations, local government officials and others interested in housing issues. According to Neimer, more than 35 people plan on attending the seminar. "We are expecting a good turnout. There will be a variety of different organizations attending, including housing complex owners, property managers, the Salvation Army and legal service providers," she said. According to Neimer, the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (CCHRA) has been very supportive of LHOT and helped organize this seminar. Christopher Gulotta, the executive director of CCHRA, says his organization sees accessible housing as one of its priorities. "There is a tremendous need for housing for people with disabilities," Gulotta said. "We are pleased to have a partnership with LHOT and see the seminar as an excellent opportunity to provide information to organizations who work with people with disabilities." Seminar topics will include: housing options, self-determination; housing modifications, reasonable accommodation; housing funding sources, Pa. Housing Finance Agency; support services, apartment locator website; plenary session; and networking opportunities. "It is important that our communities have accessible housing for people with disabilities," Lynn Stewart, director of Dauphin County LHOT, said. "Through Local Housing Options Teams and seminars, like the one being held in Carlisle, we can educate housing leaders on issues effecting people with disabilities." CILCP participates in the Local Housing Option Team (LHOT) project, a group of service providers, housing representatives, builders and realtors. LHOT was formed to help create more housing options for people with disabilities in Central Pennsylvania. The LHOT project provides information regarding housing options, Section 8, public housing, home ownership and funding for housing. The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonresidential organization established for and by people with disabilities and serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties. CILCP's vision is to empower people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society. For more information on the CILCP visit their website at www.cilcp.org. For more information on this press release, contact Nathan Pigott at 717-975-2148 or via email at npigott@hersheyphilbin.com. Back to the Newsroom