
Episode Four: Unlocking Supportive Housing: Navigating Resources and Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities
With special guests Diane Riley, Executive Director, Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey and Nicola Nero, Senior Service Coordinator and Housing Navigator, PLAN|NJ; host Ellen Nalven
In this episode of “Together We PLAN,” hear of the complexities and possibilities for securing supportive housing for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the concept of supportive housing as a blend of affordability, safety, and essential services tailored to the needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or mental health challenges. Guests share insights into supportive housing models, the critical role of Medicaid in funding services, and the value of housing navigators in finding suitable living arrangements. This episode is vital listening for anyone involved in the disability community, offering expert advice, understanding of system navigation challenges, and a hopeful outlook on the future of housing support and advocacy.
Key Takeaways
1. Insights into navigating the housing support systems for people with different abilities: This episode offers definitions of types of voucher programs, subsidized and low-income housing, and rental assistance, as well as how to access services through Medicaid, the Division of Developmental Disabilities and other state resources.
2. The impact of personal experiences on effective advocacy: Real-world examples, including those from Diane Riley’s extensive experience in advocating for the economically disadvantaged, offer an understanding of the challenges and triumphs in the fight for accessible housing.
3. Understanding the challenges and solutions in housing support at both state and national levels: Discussions occur around the intricacies of funding, the role of managed care organizations, and the evolving landscape of publicly funded housing support services, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the current state and future directions of housing supports, services and funding.
“Unlocking Supportive Housing: Navigating Resources and Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities” is the fourth of nine episodes in Together We PLAN. This podcast series covers a variety of critical issues, including Special Needs Trusts, mental health, housing, guardianship, supported decision-making, and other topics relevant to PLAN|NJ’s mission of life-long advocacy for people with disabilities. Each episode aims to inform and inspire action towards creating a more inclusive and supportive community.
We invite our audience to join us on this enlightening journey. Future episodes will continue to explore advocacy for meaningful change in the world of disability support. Please join us in our mission to educate and empower – your engagement can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
PODCAST EPISODES
Together we PLAN – Toward Better Mental Health Supports and Services
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Together We Plan Episode Six: One Mother’s Journey: Securing Residential Services for a Daughter with Autism
Episode Six: One Mother’s Journey: Securing Residential Services for a Daughter with Autism In this recent podcast episode, Maria Fischer, an attorney...
Together We Plan Episode Five: The Challenge to Change: Learning from Lived Experiences with Disabilities
Episode Five: The Challenge to Change: Learning from Lived Experiences with Disabilities In this powerful episode of "Together We PLAN," disability...
Together We PLAN – Episode Three. Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making
Episode Three: Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making With special guests Nina Weiss, Esq., Joseph B. Young, Esq. and Elizabeth G....
Together We PLAN – Episode Two. Navigating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Families
Episode Two – Navigating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Families With special guests Shirley...
Together We PLAN – Episode One. Advocacy in Action: Empowering Families and Individuals with Disabilities
Episode One - Advocacy in Action: Empowering Families and Individuals with Disabilities With special Guest Paul Aronsohn, host Ellen Nalven, co-host...
CIRCLE OF SUPPORT
our story
"A Talk With Families"

The stories of three families with loved ones who have disabilities and who use PLAN|NJ's trust administration and care coordination services are told through interviews conducted in their homes by Executive Director Ellen Nalven.

GET IN TOUCH
Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey PLAN|NJ
PO Box 547
Somerville, NJ 08876-0547
908-575-8300 (Phone)
908-927-9010 (Fax)
info@plannj.org
PROUD MEMBERS OF:
Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities
Association of People Supporting Employment First
Alliance for Pooled Trusts
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Guardianship Association
National PLAN Alliance
Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
SOMETHING MISSING? LET US KNOW.
We work hard to provide relevant and current information. If you feel something is missing or needs to be corrected, please contact us via our contact form HERE.
PLAN|NJ = Lifetime Advocacy for People with Disabilities
OUR MISSION
PLAN|NJ’s mission is to help family members of people with disabilities answer the question:
“Who will care for my loved one when I'm gone?”
We coordinate the supports needed by individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, and challenges with mental health, including people with autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, severe mental illness and more.
Spanish Translation
Si usted habla español y quisiera mas información sobre nuestros servicios o si desea una consulta con PLAN\NJ, por favor comuníquese con
Nancy Dilliplane, Director of Trust Services, para asistencia bilingüe: 908-575-8300, extensión 15
nancy.dilliplane@plannj.org