Affordable, inclusive and accessible housing is not a model often seen and
creating such models is an incredibly arduous process. There are many
financial and governmental obstacles that slow projects or even grind them to
a halt.
At Main Street, we believe that this process should be easier, and that
inclusivity, affordability and accessibility should be norms in housing
development. In partnership with The Kelsey, Main Street gathered thought
leaders to educate, inspire and advocate for a community of support around
the common cause of Building Inclusivity!
Over the course of three days in November, we learned that we need to…
– be active in local communities with local legislators
– form coalitions that are co-led by people with and without disabilities
– stay mindful of factors such as race, socioeconomic status, location, etc.
– remember that disability-forward advocacy takes curiosity, courage and creativity
– celebrate the small wins because inclusive, affordable housing projects take time!
Accessibility is only the tip of the iceberg. Building inclusion also means tackling
financial obstacles to achieve affordability and investing in the community itself
to foster a sense of belonging. Main Street is a testament to this process and is
determined to make it easier for future generations. Join us at Main Street and
be part of a nationwide movement to redefine inclusion!
National Housing Resources
Housing-Related Resources:
- Results of University of Maryland Research Study on Main Street
- Call & Letter Template to Representatives from The Kelsey
- AARP Living Communities
- REED Autism Services
- ACL (Administration for Community Living)
- TrevorTypes on The Aspergian (neuroclastic.com)
- CommunicationFIRST
- AAPD (American Association of People with Disabilities)
- North Street Neighborhood – One Pager
- Cornerstone Village – One Pager
- Sheltering Tree – One Pager
National Housing Models:
Conference Information
Click on the toggles below to access resources from the conference, daily schedules and more detailed information.
To purchase a video link to Main Street’s conference presentations regarding how to build affordable, inclusive and community-minded projects, please visit this link.
How to Stay Connected:
Resources from the Conference:
- UMD Research One-Pager & Report on Main Street
- Call & Letter Template to Representatives from The Kelsey
- AARP Living Communities
- REED Autism Services
- ACL Administration for Community Living
- TrevorTypes on The Aspergian (neuroclastic.com)
- CommunicationFIRST
- AAPD – American Association of People with Disabilities
- North Street Neighborhood – One Pager
- Cornerstone Village – One Pager
- Sheltering Tree – One Pager
Roundtable Speakers:
5pm – 6pm : Cocktails Party, Mix and Mingle in PBK
6pm – 7:45pm: Dinner and Presentations
- Welcome to Main Street: Who are we? What do we do? Learn more about our mission, vision, values, elevator pitch, purpose, membership, programs and partnerships. Learn why this is a movement.
- Main Street Connect Speakers: The Main Street Team
7:45pm – 8:30pm: Dessert and Tours
8am – 4pm : Housing Models & Financing Learning
**Optional Main Street Inclusive Programming: Sunrise Stroll at 8:30am and IM ABLE Workout from 4-4:30pm. Dress comfy!
- Housing Development Presentations:
- Main Street (Rockville, MD)
- The Kelsey (San Francisco & San Jose, CA)
- Roundtables on Key Topics by Inclusive Housing Leaders
- Donna Budway – Our Stomping Ground
- Alicia DeLashmutt – Our Home, Inclusive Community Collaborative
- Mark Dunham – Patuxent Commons
- Paula Manion – Our Stomping Ground
- Brian McCann – Faison Center
- Nuts and Bolts of Financing; Resident Services Models; Development and Design
- Scott Copeland – RST Development
6pm – 8:15pm: Dinner & Advocacy Discussion
- Justin Tsang – Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative
- Zan Thornton – Advocate
- Elizabeth Grigsby – Golden Gate Regional Center
- Greg Robinson – Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Fatimah Aure – The Kelsey
8am – 12pm : Breakfast and Advancing Advocacy
- Alison Barkoff – Administration for Community Living
- Andrew Sperling – National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Allie Cannington – The Kelsey
- Fatimah Aure – The Kelsey
- Lisa Sloane – TAC
- Valerie Novack – Disability Policy Researcher
To access the project description form, please click here.
Lodging Information:
- The Cambria Hotel, Rockville, MD
1 Helen Heneghan Way, Rockville, MD, 20850 - Click here for special rate group booking.
Casual attire encouraged.
Limited financial aid available using this form. First come first serve. Please contact sharonc@mainstreetconnect.org
Housing Development Presentations
Roundtables on Key Topics by Inclusive Housing Leaders
Nuts and Bolts of Financing
Dinner and Discussion Speakers
Policy Horizon Panel
Platinum Presenting Sponsor
The Building Inclusivity Housing Conference is also made possible in part by the generosity and support of The Disability Opportunity Fund.