Staffed by AIDS Housing Corporation, United Housing has over 50 member organizations, representing more than 250,000 individuals from diverse constituencies, including those with cognitive and mobility disabilities, mental health and substance abuse issues, and medical challenges.

United Housing is beginning to organize Reaching Home Massachusetts. The goal of this campaign is to advocate for ending homelessness for people living with disabilities in Massachusetts and fostering the development of an adequate number of affordable and accessible housing units.

• The number of low-income people with disabilities who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or living in inadequate housing units
• The type(s) of housing needed (i.e., with supportive services or without, number of bedrooms, etc.)
• The geographic location of the need

The researcher would likely search waiting lists for various housing programs (both publicly and privately operated programs), interview service providers working with this population, consider existing research and assessments of need and review population data such as the US Census.

The final product will serve to support the need for increasing access to housing through the development of units for people with disabilities. The data collected will guide the campaign’s goals and will serve as an indicator of success.

Candidates should be able to work independently and/or with the support of professors or other academic professionals.

Knowledge of housing policy, state-level government, and various disability related issues is a plus, but is not crucial.

Candidates are encouraged to seek course credit for completion of this project.

Send cover letter (or email), resume and writing sample to mmaslov@ahc.org.