EasyLiving Home - It's All About "Convenience, Safety, and Inclusion"
By Jan Morgavan
Atlanta, GA (August 17, 2006) - On a recent visit to Atlanta, Georgia, I had an opportunity to talk with Pat Puckett about the EasyLiving Home Program. Pat is Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Georgia, Inc (www.silcga.org). The SILC of Georgia is one of the founding members of EasyLiving Home. Pat provides valuable insight into the Program.
Tell me about EasyLiving Home.
PUCKETT: Our organization, Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Georgia, is a non-profit disability organization whose mission is "promoting the equal participation of people with disabilities within their communities." We are one of the founding members along with the Georgia Home Builders Association, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, Georgia AARP and others (www.easylivinghome.org/coalition.htm). The SILC is the fiscal sponsor for the coalition. By that I mean that we function as the bank. Coalition members raise funds and the SILC expends those dollars in accordance with the wishes of its members.
What is the purpose of EasyLiving Home? What is its mission?
PUCKETT: The purpose of ELH is to change the building practices so that new homes have a few critical access features: a zero step entrance, master bedroom, bath and entertainment space on the main floor, wider interior doors, maneuverable bathrooms. Go to the ELH web site for information (www.easylivinghome.org/homebuyers.htm).
Is EasyLiving Home a non-profit or for-profit?
PUCKETT: ELH is not incorporated but it is administered by the SILC of Georgia, a non-profit organization.
What is the geographical scope of EasyLiving Home?
PUCKETT: Georgia, Texas, West Virginia, and New Hampshire. Georgia was the first state. The other replication states were added in the last couple of years.
When did EasyLiving Home begin?
PUCKETT: The idea of building homes with a few basic access features was initiated in the mid 1980s by Eleanor Smith, founder of Concrete Change (www.concretechange.org) who coined the term "visitability". ELH is an offshoot of that idea which came about when the HBAG (Home Builders Association of Georgia) approached Eleanor and other disability advocates with the idea of creating a voluntary program similar to the model of the "Good Cents" home.
What need did and does the work at EasyLiving Home Program address?
PUCKETT: To create homes that work for everyone regardless of age or ability. To make it possible to easily invite guests with disabilities into one's home. To allow people who acquire mobility problems, either permanent or temporary, to comfortably continue life in their largest investment - their home.
What services does EasyLiving Home provide?
PUCKETT: Builder education first and foremost. Certificates for homes that meet ELH guidelines. The owner and the home each get a certificate that ELH specs have been met.
What kind of homes does EasyLiving Home cover?
PUCKETT: Single family, duplexes and triplexes. (Note: Federal Fair Housing guidelines cover multi-family dwellings with 4 or more units.)
Does the EasyLiving Home Program cover new home construction or existing homes?
PUCKETT: New construction.
How does a home get certified as an EasyLiving Home?
PUCKETT: A builder registers his/her intent to construct homes with these features (www.easylivinghome.org/homebuyers.htm). Once the home is complete, an inspection is performed and a certificate issued. Builders may also submit plans for review in an effort to help them meet the guidelines.
Who benefits from the work at EasyLiving Home?
PUCKETT: Builders in that their homes are opened to a larger market of buyers. Home buyers because they can include all their friends even if they can't climb steps. They can stay in their homes without expensive retrofits in the event of acquiring a disability.
Who does EasyLiving Home work with? Consumers? Builders? Municipalities? State Organizations? Federal Organizations?
PUCKETT: Primarily builders although we do help local organizations if asked. For example, Cobb County (Marietta, GA) adopted ELH guidelines in the nation's first senior housing ordinance. In addition, we have a state law that requires basic access in single family homes when there is public money invested in it. We do educational seminars for anyone who asks: Realtors, developers, architects, etc.
What are some major accomplishments of EasyLiving Home?
PUCKETT: We have at least 500 new ELH homes in GA as a result of the coalition.
What activities is EasyLiving Home involved in currently?
PUCKETT: Support and technical assistance to the replication states. Ongoing education and enrollment of builders as well as certification of homes.
What activities does EasyLiving Home have planned for the future?
PUCKETT: More marketing to home buyers.
Does EasyLiving Home have any partnerships or alliances?
PUCKETT: Yes, go to the ELH web site (www.easylivinghome.org/coalition.htm) for more information about our partners and contributors.
Who can get involved in the work at EasyLiving Home?
PUCKETT: Anyone with an interest in these issues.
How can they get involved?
PUCKETT: Call, email or come to a coalition meeting. You will find our contact information at www.easylivinghome.org/contact.htm.
How would someone get more information about EasyLiving Home?
PUCKETT: Go to our web site (www.easylivinghome.org/contact.htm) or call us at 404-723-5503.
For more information about the EasyLiving Home Program, go to www.easylivinghome.org.
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