JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson/Teton County Housing Department announced that it’s working with The Kelsey, a non-profit specializing in disability-inclusive housing, on an assessment of accessible housing needs in Teton County.
According to Teton County, this effort is a first step in exploring a Senior Housing and Assisted Living Program — a work directive made by the Jackson Town Council and Teton County Board of Commissioners to the Housing Department for 2024.
“We are very pleased to connect funding resources from the Community Foundation with accessible housing experts at the Kelsey to learn more about the housing needs of Teton County residents with disabilities,” Housing Director April Norton said in the announcement. “The scope includes consideration for aging-in-place, so this work is also a valuable resource for local seniors. Housing solutions should consider the varied needs of all our neighbors, and we are very excited to focus on the co-benefits that inclusive housing brings to everyone in our community.”
The first phase of the project is underway — developing a current needs assessment. The Kelsey formed a project steering committee with community members, including individuals with experience living with disability and technical experts. An analysis of existing affordable and workforce housing, and current disability services is also underway.
The second phase of the project will focus on policy recommendations to improve accessible housing resources. The policy recommendations will be presented to the public in June.
Initial research conducted by Teton County has found that improved accessibility and inclusivity in affordable and workforce homes is needed in the community.
The 2021, American Community Survey estimated that 6.5% of Teton County’s population has a disability — this amounts to over 1,500 locals that need some degree of disability-inclusive housing.
“Approximately 3,600 Teton County locals are 65 years old or older (with close to an additional 3,000 residents 55+) so it is also important to acknowledge the changing housing accessibility needs that can present as community members age,” Teton County said via press release.
According to Wyoming’s 2021 Disability Status Report, households with members that have a disability average less income than households without ($49,400 versus $75,800), and poverty rates are higher for Wyoming households experiencing disability (21.4% versus 10.4%).
For more information about this project, go to www.jhaffordablehousing.org, call 307-732-0867 or stop by the Jackson/Teton County Affordable Housing Department at 320 S. King Street in Jackson.
