Housing Myth Busting Community Spotlight: Thomas H.

Families CCAN is proud to be a recipient of the PA Developmental Disabilities Council’s Housing Myth Busting grant.  The goal of our project is to break down some of the prevalent myths, or falsehoods, about housing for adults with disabilities. 

Along with our partners from Self Advocates United as One (SAU1), we are sharing information about Independent Living for Adults with disabilities.  

As part of our project, we are sharing a series of Community Spotlight Interviews.  These interviews highlight the stories of individuals with disabilities who are living independently in the community.  

Our Next Housing Myth Busting Community Spotlight Interviewee is Thomas H.  Thomas lives in an apartment in Cumberland County.  

A long-time advocate for people with disabilities, Thomas is involved with a number of organizations, including Spectrum Friends and SAU1.  He is also a photographer and has been volunteering at the Civil War Museum for over 15 years, sharing his love of History with the public.  

Thomas  was interviewed by  Housing Myth Busting team members Gretchen and Elijah.  This interview  has been lightly edited for length and clarity, but the words are all Thomas’s  own.

Can you tell us a little about where you live?

“Okay, I live in [Cumberland County], Pennsylvania. It's on the West shore.

And [my town is] actually a historic town because it goes back to the time of the American Civil War.”

Oh wow. So it's a small town? 

“Well, it's not really a small town.  I consider it a small city-town.  It's got a small town feel but yet it's very large in distance.”

And, do you  live in an apartment?

“Yes, I do live in an apartment. “

Okay, and so you rent?

“Yes, that is correct.”

Thomas,  How long have you been living on your own?

“I'd say I've been living on my own for probably a good two decades.”

What is one thing you know now that you wish you'd known before you started living on your own?

“Oh, I would have to say the cost of everything. It can get very costly living on your own with rent, electricity, food and whatever.”

That's a  really good example. Thank you.

“You’re welcome.”

What are some steps you took before you moved from your family home to get really to live in your place?

“I would have to say that I had to find a place that I can afford to live in, first of all.  Because I live in a Section 8 housing apartment. . . .   It's interesting living in a section 8 housing apartment.”

Who helped you plan your move to your own place?

“That would be my brother's wife.”

What sort of things did you do with your sister-in-law to get ready?

“Well, first of all, being as I have a heart condition, to help me move stuff, cause I can't do a lot of stuff. Like that. Plus she helped me with the money and everything else, paperwork.”

Is that who helped you apply for Section 8?   Because I know that’s a lengthy process.

“Yeah. . . . I've been here for almost 17 years.”

How are you paying for living In your own place?

“I'm on Social Security, Social Security Disability.” 

And do you feel you are receiving enough support?

“Yes, I have family support and friend support.”

What skill do you think has been most important  for living on your own?

“Oh boy, there’s a couple of them. I’d  say being able to find transportation, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry-- I mean there's a whole list.”

What is one thing that is wonderful about living in your own place?

“I can come and go when I please.”

Yes, that's nice. Do you  have housemates?  Why or why not?

“No. Well, this is only a single-only  apartment building.”

Do you have social spaces in your community that you use or go to frequently?

“There is a town park that I sometimes go to.”

Do you feel included in your neighborhood?

“Oh, the only people I really know are  my neighbors in my building. I don't know too many people outside of my building.”

What advice do you have for other people with disabilities who are thinking about getting their own place?

“I think it's very right. . .  if someone with a disability wants to live on their own--become independent--I think it's a very important step in their lives.”

How do you get around your neighborhood?

“Basically walking. I can't drive because of health concerns.”

Do you have to have stores around you?

“There are a few.  Most of the businesses are on [the highway].  It’s where the bigger businesses are.  But there are stores around, just in town here.

What do you like to do In your free time around your apartment? 

“Oh boy, I think my basic one is photography.  I'm an avid photographer.”

Oh cool! What are your subjects?

“Basically I've been taking pictures around town here and plus I'm a volunteer with the National Civil War Museum, so I take pictures from there.  I have my own photography Page on Facebook.” 

Thomas, I’ve  been to the Civil War museum, and I really, really liked it!

“I'm a volunteer there.  Yeah, I've been volunteering there for well over a decade.  I started almost,  probably, I will say 16 maybe 17 years ago.”

That's awesome. What do you do there? 

“I have a Civil War replica items table. I'm located in the second floor exhibit hall. . . .  Plus I also volunteer here with my local museum, The Mechanicsburg Museum Association. . . .  I’m [also] a  Board member with the Greater Harrisburg Autism society.  I also run an adult ASD support group, Spectrum Friends, and I'm a blogger with ASD Next, and I’m also a member of a podcast cafe group. For those with a disability and/or autism. . . .   I'm also on a committee for Health Insurance for those aging adults on the Spectrum. And I just got an invite for another committee.”

You're really doing a lot of advocating for others.  That's wonderful.

“Yes, I'm a well known self-advocate.  I have two advocacy awards to  my name. . . .  I have an autism advocacy award and I also have a disability award. . . .I'm well known in Pennsylvania.  [My group] Spectrum Friends--I'm the head of the group, or the leader.  I’ve been doing that for 8 years now. . . .Our meetings, it’s what's called a hybrid meeting. It's both in-person and on Zoom. . . .  We've got over 20 members right now.  We meet on the fourth Wednesday each month at the Giant in Camp Hill,  in the community center on the second floor at 6:30 pm.

Is there anything else that you'd like to share? 

“I just want to thank you for inviting me to be a part of this interview.  I am a part of the SAU1 Organization too.  I'm the new advisor to the board.”

The information you provided is so valuable to people with disabilities.

“I'm glad I was able to help.”

This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.  To learn more about the project and how you can get involved, please visit our Housing Myth Busting page.