Anyone who has looked for an apartment in the D.C. area recently knows the shock of how much it costs compared to other places in the country.
For people with disabilities, that gap is even wider.
A proposal to create a mixed-use building that combines residences and ground floor space to provide job training for people with disabilities is in the works at a building on 23rd Street South in Arlington’s Aurora Highlands.
It’s a joint project between nonprofit Melwood, which owns the building, and Wesley Housing.
One-third would be earmarked for people with disabilities. All of the units are dedicated as affordable housing and will have disability-friendly design.
“So the rents that we’ll have here at this community will be income and rent-restricted, that they’re, on average, at least $600 to $800 a month less than the current average in the county,” said Kamilah McAfee, the CEO of Wesley Housing.
Larysa Kautz, CEO of Melwood, has been shepherding the project through the approval process.
“Only about 5% of housing stock is accessible for people with disabilities,” she said. “So being able to build a building that is accessible to anyone with any disability will be incredible for this community.”
The finished residences will be home to people like Emma Budway, a 29-year-old who is autistic and lives independently.
Her mother, Donna, held a tablet that allowed News4 to hear Budway’s thoughts on the new project.
“I think the Melwood project will allow for more opportunities for people with disabilities and our neighbors,” Budway said. “Housing is a human right, and we can help our most vulnerable neighbors while creating more affordable housing.”
The project, which is ongoing, has been met with community support, and also some criticism from a neighboring civic association opposed to its size and scope.
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