RealAmerica Companies’ Post

When developers don't connect with why accessibility is important, it really strikes a chord with me! 🎯 The news piece dives into the accessibility challenges at the Dunlop Avenue social housing development in Melbourne. https://lnkd.in/gpRUFsRe A few things were missing that would have been caught if the developer realized the importance. 😫 Missing Accessibility Promises: The article mentions how advertised accessibility features like drop-off points were quietly removed after complaints. This hit home because the young version of me felt things like drop-off points, ramps, and lifts were wasted space — until a sports injury left me on crutches. Suddenly, those features were a lifesaver! 🩼 😫 Defects and Delays: Residents reported issues like faulty elevators and water pooling. It’s a reminder that even new builds need thorough checks to ensure livability. 🏢🔍 Perhaps why you should work with an architect? 😫 Advocacy for Better Standards: The piece also highlights the need for proper accessibility standards. This is crucial for anyone with mobility challenges to maintain their independence and dignity. 🚀🛤️ Well, accessibility is not just a nice-to-have but a necessity that enhances everyone's quality of life. Check out the full article: Accessible social housing in Melbourne #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #SocialHousing #PropertyDevelopment

🏡 As the U.S. housing market continues to tighten, we’re seeing a concerning trend in affordability and accessibility. This insightful article by Urban Land Magazine delves deep into the challenges many Americans face in securing a stable home. “Stable, high-quality housing is an essential human need and the foundation of community well-being,” a sentiment that resonates more than ever. A must-read for all in the real estate and urban planning sectors. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gWgwvXQ4 #HousingMarket #MissingMiddle #AffordabilityCrisis #UrbanLand #RealEstateTrends #CommunityWellbeing

Congratulations San Antonio Housing Trust on this milestone achievement! Grateful to have served on the sustainable and universal design committee and been a tiny part of this endeavor. —————- The San Antonio Housing Trust Public Facility Corporation is pleased to announce the adoption of the finalized Multi-family Universal Design Standards, marking a significant milestone in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in housing across San Antonio. Effective June 1, 2024, these standards will allow the San Antonio Housing Trust to ensure that thousands of units of rent- and income-restricted housing the Trust partners on every year will be designed to improve usability for the greatest number of people, regardless of body type, fit, age or ability. The Standards are the culmination of a multi-year process of research and collaboration by the Trust’s Sustainable and Universal Design Committee, which meticulously crafted these standards to reflect the diverse needs of our community. Comprising individuals living with various disabilities, architects, members of the development community, and board representatives, the committee diligently reviewed national best practices, consulted with accessibility and universal design experts, weighed benefits and cost considerations, and visited multi-family properties to test their proposed standards. The business community, residents, and the general public were also invited to review and provide feedback to the proposed standards before adoption. The resulting SAHT Multi-family Universal Design Standards set a new benchmark for inclusive architecture, ensuring that future SAHT-partnered apartment communities are designed to accommodate the evolving needs of our population. "These standards transcend conventional accessibility requirements by embracing a comprehensive array of universal design principles, recognizing that the human experience evolves over time for all individuals," said Pete Alanis, Executive Director of the San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation. "Furthermore, they address inherent design disparities in traditional apartment development processes by integrating input from prospective community residents." The adopted guidelines are available on the San Antonio Housing Trust website, SAHousingTrust.org, under the section for adopted policies. Pete Alanis | Jane Paccione, MPA (she/her/hers) | disABILITYsa | City of San Antonio #inclusionmatters

Community Development for Inclusivity: Real Estate's Role in Building Diverse Neighborhoods In today's post, we'll explore the dynamic synergy between real estate professionals and local communities, driving the transformation of neighborhoods into welcoming and diverse spaces. Let's dive into the wonderful journey of Community Development for Inclusivity! 1. Collaborative Vision for Diversity Real estate professionals are teaming up with residents to craft a shared vision of inclusivity. They work together to ensure neighborhoods reflect the rich tapestry of their inhabitants. 2. Affordable Housing Initiatives Communities are working hand in hand with real estate experts to tackle affordability issues. Initiatives like mixed-income housing developments are creating opportunities for people from various backgrounds to live in the same neighborhood. 3. Cultural Enrichment Real estate isn't just about structures; it's about culture too. Communities and professionals collaborate to create spaces that honor and celebrate diversity, from cultural centers to public art installations. 4. Inclusive Amenities Neighborhoods are evolving to offer amenities accessible to everyone. Real estate pros and residents ensure parks, schools, and community centers are designed with universal accessibility in mind. Together, real estate professionals and communities are weaving a tapestry of unity, turning houses into homes and neighborhoods into inclusive sanctuaries. 🏠❤️ Let's continue to nurture diversity, one community at a time! How do you think we can make our neighborhoods even more inclusive and diverse? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going! #InclusiveCommunities #RealEstateForAll #DiverseNeighborhoods #CommunityDevelopment #UnityInDiversity #AffordableHousing #CulturalEnrichment #InclusionMatters #NeighborlyLove #TogetherWeBuild #FutureOfLiving #Realtor #EastvanRealtor #JimiBrockett

🫶📰A heartfelt thank you to @ninajoss for shedding light on the intricate housing challenges faced by Geneva Village residents in her recent article. 🙏🏡 To uplift the #authentic voices of #seniors is #key to acknowledging their experiences. Continued thank you to the #12women who allow us to serve them during their #relocation process. Apart of B-Konnected’s mission, emphasizes the necessity of making the #HUD Section 8 process as accessible as #SNAP for both residents and landlords. Katalenas stresses, “The public housing process is not accessible to the community, and specifically not seniors. It shouldn’t take weeks, months for things to happen — and it shouldn’t be this difficult at to apply for housing.” 🏠💙 While the city has not set a specific timeline, B-Konnected, a housing navigation company, assists residents. Brittany Katalenas, MSW , CEO of B-Konnected, emphasizes the challenge of obtaining rental subsidies for fixed-income residents. With Social Security as their main income, Geneva Village women face difficulty affording housing in the Denver metro area. Katalenas worked to secure housing choice vouchers, addressing the need for subsidies while preserving housing options. The process, though stressful for some, progresses with housing lined up for many residents. Special #thanks to @southmetrohousingoptions for creating affordable housing options for many #residents in #littleton 🔗Tap into the full article here: [Littleton’s Geneva Village Residents Plan Next Steps to Move](https://lnkd.in/g7u-AiCX) B-Konnected remains committed to improving affordable housing administration systems, ensuring a smoother process for all. #HousingAccess #communitysupport #relocation #tech #seniors #housing #rental #solutions #bkonnected #bksocialimpact #newmanagement #colorado #news #genevavillage #share #liketime #letsgo #socialwork #change

Affordable housing continues to lag in Houston, Texas, despite thousands of new built-to-buy and built-to-rent homes being constructed in the city and surrounding areas. Houston is ranked ranked as the fifth worst metropolitan area in the country in terms of housing affordability, according to Houston Habitat for Humanity. New initiatives are underway, but the shortfall is dramatic. City of Houston City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department D.R. Horton Habitat for Humanity Texas City of Friendswood New Hope Housing, Inc. #Texas #Texashousing #texasconstruction #texasdevelopment #affordablehousing

There are lotsa articles out there about Zoning and Housing Affordability, written with all sorts of levels of sophistication. I like this one in the Journal of Housing & Community Development, “Re-Thinking Zoning to Increase Affordable Housing”: https://lnkd.in/eKRnA4_V

Mirka Expands Vista Lane Affordable Housing Project REAL ESTATE: $47.4M Building Adds 100 More Units BY RAY HUARD SAN YSIDRO – Mirka Investments is starting construction of a $47.4 million affordable housing project in San Ysidro. Vista Lane Affordable Apartments is the companion project to the adjacent $70 million Vista Lane Family Homes, which is under construction and will have 167 apartments. To be built on a 1.23-acre site at 3509 Vista Lane, the latest San Ysidro project by Mirka Investments will have 100 apartments earmarked for tenants with annual incomes of 30% to 80% of the area median income. Annual median income levels haven’t been set for 2024, but in 2023, it was $116,800. Of the 100 apartments in the four-story building, 18 will be set aside for people with developmental disabilities, 15 will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, and 10 apartments will be earmarked for tenants with hearing and/or visual impairments. Vista Lane will be LEED certified and Green Point rated for its energy efficiency and sustainability, according to Mirka Investments. Mirka Investments has partnered with Hunt Capital Partners of Los Angeles on Vista Lane. Other financing came from Citi Community Bank, HCP Bond Investors, LLC, and the San Diego Regional Center/Foundation for Developmental Disabilities, which provided a $500,000 loan. San Diego Regional Center is providing services to those with developmental disabilities. “With their help in terms of funding and providing services, we are able to provide valuable units for those families or individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Kursat Misirlioglu, CEO of Mirka Investments. “We do believe in providing affordable housing for all.” The general contractor is C&S Construction Services, Martinez + Cutri Urban Studio Corp. is the architect, and Hyder Property Management Professionals is the property manager. https://lnkd.in/gdh_uBfq #housing #apartments #affordablehousing #development #commercialrealestate

When it comes to choosing a neighbourhood to raise a family, there are some key features that you should never overlook. Upsizing your home in Toronto shouldn't be stressful. Instead, it should be an exciting step toward a brighter future for you and your loved ones. 🏡 What makes a neighbourhood perfect for families? Let's break it down: 1️⃣ Safety: A secure environment is non-negotiable. Look for areas with low crime rates and active community watch programs. Well-lit streets and parks also contribute to a sense of security. 2️⃣ Schools: Great schools can shape your child's future. Research the quality of local schools, both public and private. Strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and good reviews from other parents are essential indicators. 3️⃣ Parks & Recreation: Proximity to parks, recreational centers, and family-friendly amenities can make weekends and holidays more enjoyable. These areas foster community bonding. 4️⃣ Healthcare: Easy access to healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies provides peace of mind, especially for young families. 5️⃣ Commute: Consider the daily commute to work and school. Neighborhoods with good public transit and minimal traffic can save you time and reduce stress. 6️⃣ Community Feel: A strong sense of community can make a big difference. Check out local events, community centres, and how friendly and involved the neighbours are. Toronto has some fantastic neighbourhoods that tick all these boxes. Whether you’re considering Yonge and Eglinton for its vibrant life and excellent schools or expanding in North York for its green spaces and community-oriented vibe, your perfect family home is out there. Feel free to reach out if you need guidance on finding a neighborhood that suits your family’s needs. What features do you find most important for your family's new neighborhood? #RealEstate #FamilyLiving #TorontoHomes #Upsizing #SafeNeighborhoods #StaceyFultonRealty #CommunityVibes #TorontoLiving #FamilyFirst

I am, and Real People Collaboration are, proud to sign on to the Accessible Housing Network’s submission to Infrastructure Canada, calling for Universal Design in the upcoming National Housing Design Catalogue. Ensuring all plans in the catalogue are Universal Design, and updating the National Building Code to expand the accessibility and adaptability requirements for all new and renovated buildings will bring Canada a significant step closer to realizing the Accessible Canada Act’s goal of a barrier-free Canada. It will help us meet our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the National Housing Strategy Act, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Most importantly – it will enable more people with disabilities in Canada to live independently and with dignity. This is a critical opportunity to “build inclusively from the start”, increasing the supply of accessible housing and preventing future costs of modifications for individuals and governments. Read the full AHN submission (link to https://lnkd.in/dUUPBRzH) @AccessibleHousing