The Specialized Housing presentation has received a lot of attention. Approximately 30 people are signed up for the Friday night general presentation. Dan Brennan, Director of Development at MSH will be attending along with Megan Spencer, a Supportive Housing Loan Officer. They will not be speaking, but will be learning about the SH concept of Home Ownership for people with Disabilities.

The Saturday workshop is full, but we have started a wait list. This program will be an intensive workshop for families ready to begin the assessment, organizing and next-steps for a home in South Portland. Watch for information on a change of location for the Saturday workshop as a larger room was needed to accommodate those who have responded. It will be held at the offices of Creative Office Pavilion in Portland. They are located on Franklin Street, just two buildings up from Commercial Street. 15 Franklin Street Arterial. Enter on Franklin Street below the sign that says "Warehouse". Parking is best in the Casco Bay Lines parking lot.

Friday, South Portland Community Center 6:30 -8:30
Saturday, Creative Office Pavilion , 9-12:00.
Contact Mary Chris Bulger at mcbulger@maine.rr.com to be added to either list. Registration and payment for the Friday night program is at the door.
$ 10 per individual, $ 15 per family.
Mary Chris Bulger

Friday, November 30th : 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Saturday, December 1st : 9:00 – 11:00 AM

A group of families is planning a home with Specialized Housing, Inc, utilizing their home ownership model that has been successful in the Boston area. This home will be located in South Portland. Estimated opening: Fall 2009 – Spring 2010.

Since 1983, Specialized Housing, Inc. has created supportive housing opportunities for adults with disabilities in condominiums and apartments in Brookline, Cambridge, Arlington, Mass., Providence, Rhode Island and other locations that are in the planning stages.

Margot and David Wizansky, co-founders of Specialized Housing, Inc., and Chuck Silsby, Assistant Director, will join us to share information regarding the details of how their organization was established, how it is managed and, on Saturday, develop the next steps for the South Portland group.

Specialized Housing is the first housing program in the United States to enable adults with special needs to have their own homes while receiving professional support. Because the individuals own their residences, property ownership contributes to individual growth, self-esteem, responsible citizenship and community involvement. Families have a significant role in the ongoing operations of the household and units can be bought and sold like other real estate with the understanding that adults with disabilities must occupy them.

Friday, November 30th : 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Evening presentation: Overview of Specialized Housing’s concept.
There will be a charge of $ 10.00 per person or $ 15.00 per family for the evening presentation to cover costs of travel and meals for presenters.

Saturday, December 1st : 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Morning workshop for families who are seriously interested in the South Portland project.

** Location: South Portland Community Center – at intersection of Highland Ave and Evans Street. **

Please visit http://www.specializedhousing.org prior to the meeting dates to get more information on their home ownership projects.

You may also want to purchase their book, Passport to Independence: Work, Home and Community, which is available for $ 20 on their website. Price includes shipping.

Pre-registration is requested
To pre-register, ask questions, or request special accommodations, contact
Mary Chris Bulger at mcbulger@maine.rr.com or 767-2056.
(Email contact preferred)

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