Housing

The Chrysalis Foundation supports the development of affordable housing for people with disabilities and mental illness through property acquisition, rehabilitation and development in Orange, Person and Chatham Counties. Here is why:

In the year 2000, there was not one single housing market in the United States where a person with a disability receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits could afford to rent a modest efficiency or one-bedroom unit.

Using the federal housing affordability standard for very low income households, it is suggested that no more than 30% of monthly income should be spent on housing. An individual with a disability averages just over $500 a month in SSI payments. This means that in the year 2000, people needed to pay, on a national average, 98 percent of their SSI benefits in order to be able to rent a modest one-bedroom unit at Fair Market Value.

Where do people with disabilities and severe mental illnesses live? They are forced to rely on inappropriate alternatives such as living at home with aging parents, in homeless shelters, in institutions or nursing homes and in state and local jails and prisons.

Numerous studies have shown that stable, affordable housing is the cornerstone of recovery, positive treatment outcomes, and successful community reintegration. People with disabilities and mental illnesses have very few housing options.

Facilities Development

Through fund raising and the flexibility of its non-profit status, the Chrysalis Foundation supports the facilities and capital needs of the OPC Area Program's three clubhouses. Because clubhouses require very special space, it is the intention of the Foundation to help each of OPC's clubhouses have the type of warm, inviting and quality space needed to function optimally. If you are interested in helping us develop these exceptional programs, call Jefferson Parker at (919) 933-0770. We are building for the future of our clubhouses in very exciting ways!