Accessible Housing Crisis for People with Disabilities After Disasters
Devastating wildfires in Southern California have disrupted thousands of lives, including those of vulnerable people who continue to search for a place to call home.
Retha De Johnette, who runs an assisted-living facility, never expected the disabled residents to remain displaced nearly a year after the wildfire tore through Los Angeles County’s Altadena community in January.
They’re spread out all over, in all kinds of random places right now, and it’s pretty devastating.
After disasters, people with disabilities often find themselves in temporary lodging that lacks a safe, customized environment. This can result in dangers and difficulties, such as:
- Leaving people in wheelchairs or who require walkers to spend weeks or months in unfamiliar rental housing with dangerous stairways
- Lack of accessibility-friendly ramps
Author's summary: People with disabilities face housing struggles after disasters.