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What Home Is… Art Show

Kelly Kramer

Showcasing the Talents of Artists with Developmental Disabilities

Inclusive Housing Resources hosted an art show featuring original works of art by more than 50 adults with developmental disabilities at its office on October 21, 2021. All of the submissions were phenomenal depictions around the theme of what home is. Home is much more than a building. It’s something to take pride in. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home to make their own. 

“Showcasing the artistic talents of our community and brightening the hallways of our office served as the perfect reason to host this art show,” said IHR CEO Gina Gehm. “These pictures are a visual representation of the work we do, providing homes for individuals with disabilities in the region.” 

For this competition, IHR supplied the art materials and partnered with InsideOut Art Studioto judge the entries. First, second and third place winners and an honorable mention were named. IHR awarded Kings Island passes (1stplace), a restaurant gift card (2nd place), a movie streaming service gift card (3rd place) and a piece of art glass and gift certificate (Honorable Mention) to the winners. The plan is for this artwork to fill the hallways of the IHR offices. 

Inclusive Housing Resources manages the Housing Network of Hamilton County and Partnerships for Housing.  Through these organizations IHR provides high quality, safe, affordable and accessible housing for adults with disabilities in Butler, Hamilton and Clermont Counties. IHR staff also perform accessibility environmental modification services for individuals with coverage under their Medicaid Waiver.

If you or someone you know is looking for housing for someone with a developmental disability or accessibility environmental modifications, we’re here to help. Referrals for our housing come through your local County Board. Please contact the person’s SSA for information about leasing from IHR. For any additional questions feel free to call us at 513-619-2929. 

We’ve Been Featured!

Gehm

The Housing Network of Hamilton County and Partnerships for Housing were recently featured in Soapbox Media! Check out the article below:

Local nonprofits work with housing needs for the disabled

Jim SteffeyFor the past 20 years, Jim Steffey has worked to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

It’s an important mission for him, he says, because he’s met so many people over the years who have experienced life within large, institutional settings.

“Abuse, neglect and isolation were common, heartbreaking themes,” Steffey says. “Often, they didn’t have the staff to help them get out and do things they wanted to do, and I saw the effect — low self esteem, not feeling safe, a lack of a sense of belonging.”

Now Steffey has made it his goal to help individuals find safety and comfort through a sense of place — a place where they’re able to feel empowered and independent. A place that reminds them of their vital presence within a neighborhood as part of a community.

“That’s what we do at the Housing Network of Hamilton County and Partnerships for Housing,” Steffey says. “We help people find a place they can call home.”

Steffey currently serves as executive director for both nonprofits. While the Housing Network services Hamilton County, Partnerships for Housing services Butler County, where the organization functions as property manager, ensuring its clients have access to safe, accessible and affordable homes.

The most rewarding aspect of the position?

“The smile on someone’s face the day they move into their new home, or after we complete a big renovation and they see their new bathroom or kitchen for the first time,” Steffey says. “Seeing them take pride in their home is the best part of my job.”

Do Good:
• The two nonprofits just joined social media. Welcome them to Facebook by liking their new pages: Housing Network of Hamilton County, Partnerships for Housing.
• Contact Jim Steffey if you would like to support either organization by volunteering to do landscape work and other home-oriented tasks.