is the only affordable housing non-profit in Austin led by members of the disability community. AHA!’s homes are integrated into neighborhoods around Austin. believes that we all deserve to live in homes that are not only safe and decent but that allow us to exercise our rights to independence and dignity, that we can afford, and that allow our children and us to participate in our neighborhoods. For AHA!, the good home is supported by three pillars: Accessibility, Affordability, and Integration. Accessibility = Dignity and Independence
Our houses include the following features that allow our tenants to live comfortably and independently in their own homes:
• Ramps
• Wide doorways
• Levered door handles
• Hardwood, tiled or laminate flooring
• Roll-under sinks
• Lowered countertops
• Smoke detectors for people with hearing and visual impairments
• Roll-in showers where possible
Affordability = Security and Stability
Our tenants are people with disabilities who would otherwise be priced out of the current housing market or forced to live in institutions. Our housing alleviates the negative effects of poverty and removes uncertainty; our tenants pay rent that is commensurate with their incomes, and AHA! accepts Section Eight vouchers. We also strive to reduce the burden of utility costs by making our houses energy efficient. Integration = Participation in Community
AHA!’s scattered-site model allows our tenants be part of a neighborhood. Living in higher opportunity neighborhoods, they have access to shopping and public transportation; adults are close to community college and children are close to good schools. Our tenants actively participate in the life of the community: their children make friends with other children and their families enjoy neighborhood block parties.