Our Properties

People with developmental disabilities are all too often isolated from their communities in congregate-care facilities. Creative Housing provides more traditional housing for these individuals in neighborhoods that are closer to their families, their jobs and their churches. Above all, our houses are a place they can call home.

Creative Housing rental properties are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities who choose to live with other individuals and share the costs of the home and support services.

Using public and private funding, we acquire properties throughout Franklin County to provide tenants a variety of community settings and lease the home to them at below-market rents. Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities works our prospective tenants and their families to give them a choice about whom they live with, the houses and neighborhood they’ll be living in and the renovation required to accommodate their particular circumstances.

It’s been our experience that both tenants and their families are a good source of ideas for practical and economical modifications that still allow for a home-like environment. These adaptations include things such as wheelchair ramps, accessible showers, and strobe light-equipped smoke alarms. Over half our homes have been specially designed to facilitate people with mobility, sight or hearing impairments.

Creative Housing Tenants lease their house at below market rates paying no more than 30% of their income for rent and utilities. Creative Housing as landlord is responsible for repairs and general upkeep of the property.

Aside from choosing their home, housemates, neighborhood and modifications, Creative Housing tenants also interview and select their own support service providers.

Daily living assistance is hired by tenants and their services are overseen by the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. These services can vary from full time, round-the-clock personal assistance, to temporary, once-a-week grocery shopping.

Creative Housing has developed over 550 residences in Columbus and the surrounding suburbs. Development is projected to continue over the next few years.

In addition to ensuring the homes are well maintained, Creative Housing works with neighbors who express interest in learning more about developmental disabilities. Our neighbors throughout Columbus have been lending us a hand by doing everything from helping plant gardens to giving our tenants rides to church.

Eligibility for Housing: To be eligible to lease a Creative Housing home, an individual must qualify for services from the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD) and be referred to Creative Housing by that agency. If you have a question about eligibility or the referral process, call FCBDD Service Coordination at (614-464-2743).