According to Community For Permanent Supported Housing Board Member Jocelyn Chafouleas,
“The thought of my adult son being homeless terrifies me!
“Thanks to modern medicine, people with Down syndrome and Autism and other intellectual difficulties are living longer. It’s very likely that my son with disabilities will outlive me, or my ability to run interference for him with life.
“Then what happens to him? Living in a State institution? Or joining the ranks of the homeless? I have to have a plan. I can’t leave him unprepared and vulnerable.
“Enter Community For Permanent Supported Housing (CPSH).
“For over ten years, CPSH has thought about my son’s future and that of over 250,000 other North Texans with at least one health barrier to living independently.
“Educating parents to the possibility of their adult child’s independent living is the first step in developing a survival plan for when the adult wants or needs to move away from their parents. CPSH provides workshops for individual, family, and service provider groups at no, or small, cost to the participants.
“CPSH uniquely offers training on developing social and independent living skills for adults with disabilities, with topics that cover planning for affordable, safe housing; financial resources, affordable budgets; and services to ensure quality of life. CPSH advocates with state and local leaders to ensure community-based housing options are available, and is the first to announce availability of housing vouchers. We are striving to influence developers to include affordable options for all North Texans, not just those with disabilities.
“CPSH received $14,000 in small donations from caring donors on North Texas Giving Day in 2020. To a large charity that might not be significant, but CPSH turned those dollars into life enhancing impact for fourteen families looking for direct, one-on-one services in finding housing and independent living supports for a loved one.
“CPSH guides each person in designing their personal living plan, honoring their right to make decisions and have choices about how they live their life. CPSH will support families with referrals for legal and guardianship support, finding service providers, identifying resources for affordable housing, such as vouchers. In partnership with Texas Workforce Commission, CPSH offers education about achieving housing security, preparing for employment, and identifying social service needs.
“My son and I are making progress. He lives independently, sharing an apartment with his cat. He is nearby allowing family support when needed and inclusion in all the family festivities. His independent living skills are improving, and supported employment is on the near horizon.
“We aren’t there yet, but seeing my son thriving on his own provides peace of mind for now. He is enjoying his personal freedom and feels proud that he is less dependent on me.
“The best solution for homelessness is prevention, and the best home is the home a person selects for themselves. CPSH appreciates the North Texas Giving Day community of donors who allow us to make this happen, one family, one individual at a time.”
* Graphic and photo provided by Community For Permanent Supported Housing
In 12 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $375 million into the North Texas community. In 2020, more than $58.8 million was raised through more than 106,000 donors benefiting over 3,200 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 23, support Community For Permanent Supported Housing by linking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay
Robin LeoGrande, President CPSH says
Thank you, My Sweet Charity, for sharing the story of CPSH! We look for ways to help people with disabilities achieve their best lives. How can we help you and your family? How can work together for a better community for all? Please share your thoughts here or contact Robin LeoGrande at [email protected] or 214-632-8115.
Kimberly Rogers says
Thank you for sharing CPSH and Jocelyn’s story! I’m thankful an organization like this exist offering guidance and support to families of loved one’s with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My 17 yr. old son is on the verge of graduating high school, future employment. and housing needs. I know first hand as a nine year volunteer with CPSH, you won’t find a more professional, dedicated founder, Robin LeoGrande, and volunteer driven charity, serving disabled adults in North Texas!