The Kelsey

Isaac Haney-Owens, our Operations Assistant, shares why Medicaid matters to him and so many others. Programs funded by Medicaid, like California’s Regional Centers, support people with disabilities to live independently in their communities. Cuts to Medicaid put these critical services at risk. Take action today: Call 866-426-2631 or visit bit.ly/TheArcMedicaid to urge your representatives to vote no on Medicaid cuts. #HandsOffMedicaid

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Jensen Caraballo—friend, advocate, leader, and a cherished member of our 2024 Disability and Housing Narrative Change Cohort. His fellow Cohort members remember him as someone whose words flowed effortlessly—whether speaking about his life, love, or advocacy, his passion was unmistakable. Through his words, you could truly see him. They hope he is remembered not just for his powerful advocacy, but for the person he was—earnest, compassionate, and always quick to remind others that they weren’t alone. That he was a friend. Jensen’s storytelling, humor, and kindness leave a lasting legacy in the lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the activism he championed. We are grateful to have known him. Support fundraising efforts for Jensen’s celebration of life: https://bit.ly/4kP5fAk Read Jensen’s housing story: https://bit.ly/4kZ5TeG . . . Image description: Jensen Caraballo, a tan-skinned person with short brown hair. He is wearing black glasses and a blue T-shirt. Image description: An illustration of Jensen, a tan-skinned person with short brown hair. He is wearing glasses and a blue T-shirt.

This week, Congress is in recess, which means your representatives are back in their home districts—making it the perfect time to tell them to #ProtectMedicaid. Some Congress members are hosting events, including town halls, throughout the week—check their websites and social media to see what’s happening near you. Whether it’s attending an event, giving public comment, or sharing your story, we can apply pressure together and demand no cuts to Medicaid. Need tips on how to effectively share your story? Check out this resource from our friends at Autistic Self Advocacy Network: https://bit.ly/4hiBIvY . . . Text on image reads, “Congress is in recess this week. Take Action.” To the right of the text, an illustration of people with and without disabilities putting together building blocks.

Join us in welcoming Ebony Salazar, our newest team member, and Inclusion Concierge at The Kelsey Civic Center! Our Inclusion Concierge team fosters connection and support by linking residents to essential services, community programs, and each other. Whether it’s finding resources, accessing activities, or building relationships, the Inclusion Concierge ensures everyone feels at home. Ebony will play a key role in building a connected community at The Kelsey Civic Center, and we’re thrilled to have her on board! Learn more about Ebony: https://lnkd.in/eHjy5QKp Learn more about the Inclusion Concierge role: https://bit.ly/4htrXMa . . . Image Description: Text on image reads, “Welcome, Ebony Salazar! Inclusion Concierge.” Ebony is pictured in a circular frame. She is a tan-skinned woman with long light brown hair, wearing a brown shirt. She is wearing gold hoop earrings and brown glasses.

Only 2 days left to register! Don’t miss our webinar, “Shaping Inclusive Housing: The Kelsey’s QAP Advocacy Guide Launch & Advocates Panel,” this Friday, March 14, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. Featuring housing and disability advocates, Sandra Conley, Benji Kemper, and Marcos Segura, we’ll share real-life examples of how people have used QAP advocacy to transform affordable housing in their communities. Until then, watch our Policy Manager, Hunter Herrera-McFarland, M.A., break down QAP advocacy and share what’s in store this Friday. Secure your spot today! https://bit.ly/QAPWebinar

“What if housing funders, housing operators, builders, policymakers chose to flip the script? That disability isn’t an issue of compliance, but an opportunity to create transformative change that made all of our lives better.”? Allie Cannington, our Managing Director, accepted their Housing California Housing Justice Award with a powerful speech on the housing field’s opportunity to change lives by prioritizing inclusive housing. Across our development and advocacy work, we’re committed to building a future where people with and without disabilities can live amongst each other and thrive. This week’s ceremony was another reminder that we share this vision with so many in the housing community. Watch the full speech: https://lnkd.in/gGRuNezU?

Want to take action for Disability-Forward housing? Sign up for Breaking Ground Action Alerts! Stay up to date on key advocacy efforts—from defending #Medicaid & #HUD programs to expanding inclusive housing policies. Our Advocacy team will send you the tools to make an impact, whether it's supporting Section 504 protections or engaging in state-level action. Join us in protecting and expanding housing that is affordable, accessible, and inclusive. Sign up today! https://lnkd.in/eagS6ajH . . . Image description: White text against a dark blue background reads, “Sign Up for Breaking Ground Action Alerts.” An illustration of a brown-skinned person with black hair, wearing orange glasses, a purple sweater, and holding a black cat is to the right of the text.

As Senior Manager of Resident Services, Jason N. supports residents in navigating and engaging with the community at The Kelsey Ayer Station. Wayfinding plays a crucial role in ensuring people can move through spaces with clarity and ease. Integrating Wayfinding into residential communities makes getting around easier for residents with and without disabilities. Whether identifying key areas—like restrooms and apartment doors—or highlighting accessible routes, effective wayfinding signage enhances navigation for everyone. Learn more about Wayfinding: https://bit.ly/Feb2025EOTM? Explore the Inclusive Design Standards: thekelsey.org/design? . . . Image Description: Text on image reads, “February 2025: Element of The Month. Wayfinding Signage (1.4). ‘With wayfinding signage / color schemes at The Kelsey, we can remind residents that their apartment is on the 2nd floor, yellow color, fox, for example, as when they come off the elevator or stairwell there is consistent unique signage, colors and a symbol not only in stairwell/elevator lobbies, but also on each unit number throughout the floor to help remind residents where to go.’ – Jason Nery, Senior Manager, Resident Services, The Kelsey.” Jason Nery and a screenshot of “Wayfinding - Signage” from the Inclusive Design Standards is pictured. Jason is a lightly tan-skinned Filipino man with long black curly hair wearing a blue dress shirt smiling at the camera.

We’re excited to share that we’re launching a new resource: An Advocate’s Guide to Advancing Disability-Forward Housing through QAPs. Qualified Allocation Plans (QAPs) shape how states allocate housing tax credits—impacting the affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity of housing. Our new guide equips advocates with strategies to influence their state’s QAP and push for more disability-forward housing. Want to learn more? Join us on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10 AM PST for our webinar, “Shaping Inclusive Housing: The Kelsey’s QAP Advocacy Guide Launch & Advocates Panel.” Hear from housing and disability advocates, Sandra Conley, Benji Kemper, Marcos Segura, and Hunter Herrera-McFarland, M.A. about real-world strategies for advancing inclusive housing. Register now: https://bit.ly/QAPWebinar? Explore our QAP guide: https://bit.ly/QAPGuide? #InclusiveHousing #StateAdvocacy #LIHTC . . . Image description: Text on image reads, “Friday, March 14th, 10AM–11AM PST. Shaping Inclusive Housing: The Kelsey’s QAP Advocacy Guide Launch & Advocates Panel.” Sandra Conley (Disability Advocate), Benji Kemper (Center for Living and Working), Marcos Segura (National Housing Law Project), and Hunter Herrera-McFarland (The Kelsey) are pictured. Sandra Conley is a dark-skinned woman with blonde locs. She is wearing red lipstick, brown glasses, and a blue shirt with a green scarf. Benji Kemper is a white man with short hair, wearing glasses and a blue polo shirt. Marcos Segura is a tan-skinned man wearing glasses, and a white button-down under a black suit jacket. Hunter Herrera-McFarland is a light-skinned Native woman with long black hair, black glasses, and a burgundy shirt, smiling in front of a brick background. Pink, orange, cream, and black shapes make up the background of the image.

Congress is considering a budget package that includes $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. This would have devastating impacts on our communities, including people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) to live in their homes. Join us by calling your House members today and demanding they vote “no” on any House budget resolution that includes Medicaid cuts. Call your representative now at (866)426-2631 or fill out this form from Caring Across Generations to connect to your rep: https://lnkd.in/grDvUgu9 Every call makes a difference. Let’s show up to #ProtectMedicaid . . . Image description: White text on a dark blue background reads, “Call (866)426-2631. Tell Congress No Cuts to Medicaid.” The Kelsey logo is in the lower right corner.