Housing Support Services
Housing Support Services
Housing Support Services, or “HSS”, is designed to help people interested in new independent housing opportunities, undergoing a housing transition, or who need assistance addressing concerns about their current independent housing.
Compass strives to support the highest level of independence possible for everyone, including independent and individualized housing solutions for every situation. Our Housing Support Services (HSS) team is dedicated to finding the best individualized solution for every level of ability and income.
HSS is not a direct rental subsidy; the program can help people research and apply for subsidy programs.
About Our Program
Support and services in HSS include, but are not limited to:
- Housing Assessment, Opportunity Discovery, and Goal Setting
- Housing Information & Assistance
- Housing Transition Support
- Tenancy Sustaining Services, such as renter’s advocacy support, education opportunities, and more
While this program is offered as a stand-alone service, it can also operate in partnership with other Compass services, such as the Community Living and Community Engagement programs, to ensure that all people who are interested in pursuing independent housing opportunities, regardless of support needs, have the chance to do so.
Housing Information & Assistance
- Apply for affordable housing programs including the DDA Rent Subsidy
- Search for housing for rent or for sale that is affordable to you
- Create a budget that makes sense for your wants and needs
- Encourage and facilitate discovery of your housing preferences
- Educate you on managing a home, the basics of renting or owning your own home, financial literacy, maintaining a budget, and more
Housing Transition
- Maintain and review your housing plan annually
- Review and update your budget as needed
- Create a moving plan with your current staff or family
- Resolve disputes, request reasonable accommodations and modifications
- Assist with paperwork for housing subsidy when and if one is awarded to you
Tenancy Sustaining Services
- Keep your home affordable by managing your housing-related benefits
- Recertify any housing programs or benefits you are enrolled in
- Resolve disputes and develop relationships with property management, maintenance staff, neighbors, etc.
- Identify and intervene with other staff support if behaviors that may jeopardize tenancy arise
- Assist with bill payment and money management
- Prevent eviction by linking you with community resources and creative supports
Frequently Asked Questions
Who might benefit from these services/why would someone seek out this service specifically?
People with disabilities deserve to have access to a wide range of housing options and should be allowed the same say in who they live with and where they live as their peers. Currently, separating housing services from other residential and support services is a stated goal of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration. This service aims to explore, create, and maintain housing opportunities for all adults with disabilities, regardless of their current situation. Members of this program include people living in Community Living group homes, people living in family homes, people who are already living independently but are interested in moving or seeking support for maintaining their current housing arrangements, and more.
How are services decided and planned?
The services provided through this program are individualized to fit a person’s current circumstances, their wants and needs, and their long-term goals. Services work in tandem with existing person-centered plans and reflect considerations for a wide range of personal factors, including but not limited personal needs, family and other support network, personal interests and preferences, the other services a person receives, and finances. There are outside factors that also affect housing, such as the availability of specific resources, current housing trends and market conditions, and eligibility for specific vouchers or other financial support. All services start by completing a housing assessment and developing a personalized housing plan.
Who are the people who provide the services?
Housing services are provided by Compass’ Housing Support Service providers who are trained and certified by the Maryland Inclusive Housing Corporation and the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
What support is provided after a person moves?
Housing Support Services not only includes support for planning a change in housing, but also works to support people to be able to continue living independently. This includes working with a person to address housing or lease related concerns that emerge after moving, as well as working with a person to help develop independent living skills if a need arises.
How does this service work with other Compass services?
People who receive Housing Support Services from Compass often receive additional support from other service areas. For example, it is common, although not required or expected, for someone receiving Housing Support Services to also receive Personal Support or Supported Living services. Also, it is not uncommon for a person in our Community Living program to start receiving Housing Support Services and their goals and wants develop over time and they decide to explore other possible housing arrangements.
Does this program support people with self-directed services?
Yes, the HSS program at Compass enthusiastically supports people who decide to use a self-directed model of services. Our Housing Support coordinators work in communication with providers of other services and other supporters in a person’s life, to help support the sustainability of the efforts made.
What if the person I support, or my family member, isn't ready to move yet?
Adding HSS does not necessarily mean that you are ready to move out. HSS can help you get ready with trainings such as:
- How to be a Good Neighbor (and Tenant)
- Household Management
- Renting 101
- Planning for the Unexpected
- Money Management and Financial Empowerment
- Finding affordable housing takes time. HSS does not and cannot help people move immediately. Adding HSS does not commit a person to moving from their current housing.
But what if I or my loved one can't afford to live 'on their own'?
Your HSS coordinator will work with you to complete applications for programs you are eligible for and interested in, including:
- Section 811
- DDA Rent Subsidy Program
- Weinberg Apartments
- Money Follows the Person (MFP)
- HOC (Montgomery County only)
- HomeAbility (mortgage product)
Compass takes a unique approach to finding affordable housing and can help take your search to the next level. Aside from the popular waitlists above, your HSS coordinator will also research project-based options in the county/counties you wish to live in, single room rentals, senior housing, etc. as applicable.