By Felicia Denman, Jubilee Housing Support Services Program Director
For many years, Richard and Barney have proudly called Aurora Apartments home. While they have lived here for more than a decade, the lease was held by Jubilee. Becoming leaseholders themselves represents far more than a change in paperwork. It is a significant milestone in their journey toward self-determination, independence, and having greater control over their lives and housing choices.
This journey was not without challenges. As the transition process began, Richard and Barney encountered barriers that many people with disabilities face when navigating electronic application, screening, and verification systems. Online portals, electronic signatures, and multi-step verification processes can be overwhelming and difficult to access. Recognizing these challenges, Jubilee worked closely with the property management company LCOR and the Aurora Apartments staff to create a more accessible path forward. Together, we worked to ensure that Richard and Barney could successfully meet all application and lease requirements while receiving the support they needed.
The partnership between Jubilee and LCOR demonstrated what can happen when organizations focus on solutions rather than barriers. Staff worked collaboratively through accommodation requests, screening requirements, income verification documentation, leaseholder transition paperwork, and the many details required to complete the process. Whenever obstacles arose, we remained committed to finding a way forward, ensuring that Richard and Barney had an equal opportunity to achieve their goal of becoming leaseholders.
Special thanks go to Azmera Abraham on Jubilee’s Housing Support Services team whose advocacy, persistence, and dedication helped guide this process from beginning to end. We are also deeply grateful to Jubilee direct support professional Samuel Campbell whose support was invaluable throughout the journey. Samuel worked alongside Azmera to help complete paperwork, coordinate appointments, provide encouragement, and make sure Richard and Barney arrived at the leasing office whenever their presence was needed. His commitment and hands-on support helped ensure that every step of the process moved forward successfully.
After weeks of collaboration, accommodation planning, screenings, and document preparation, Richard and Barney have reached the final milestone. They areofficially becoming leaseholders of the home they have loved for more than a decade!
Their story is a powerful example of self-determination in action. It reflects the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to direct their own lives and make their own choices, especially when it comes to housing. Richard and Barney’s achievement demonstrates what is possible when housing providers and community partners work together to remove barriers and create pathways to success.
As Richard and Barney sign their lease, we celebrate not only a housing accomplishment but also a victory for dignity, independence, and inclusion. This marks the beginning of a new chapter. One in which Richard and Barney will officially hold the lease to the home they have proudly called their own for many years.
*Last names excluded for privacy.