Our Work with The Kelsey
The Jackson/Teton County Housing Department worked with The Kelsey, a non-profit specializing in disability-inclusive housing nation-wide, on an assessment of the need for accessible housing in Teton County, WY and policy recommendations to improve local accessible housing resources. This effort is a first step in exploring a Senior Housing and Assisted Living Program—a work directive made by the Jackson Town Council and Teton County Board of Commissioners to the Housing Department in 2024.
“We are very pleased to connect funding resources from the Community Foundation with accessible housing experts at the Kelsey to learn more about the housing needs of Teton County residents with disabilities,” said Housing Director April Norton. “The scope includes consideration for aging-in-place, so this work is also a valuable resource for local seniors. Housing solutions should consider the varied needs of all our neighbors, and we are very excited to focus on the co-benefits that inclusive housing brings to everyone in our community.”
Funded by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole
Work with The Kelsey was enabled by funding from The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole through their 2023 pilot ‘Housing Solution Grants Program’ of which the Housing Department is a grateful recipient. More information about the Jackson Hole Community Foundation’s Housing Solutions Grant can be viewed here.
In Partnership with The Kelsey
The Kelsey’s mission is, “Pioneering disability-forward housing solutions that open doors to homes and opportunities for everyone.” As the only non-profit operating nation-wide that combines advocacy, construction, and scalable modeling, The Kelsey centers on the perspectives of people with disabilities to inform better housing policies, design standards, development strategies, and resident services. Currently, The Kelsey has engaged over 1,700 community leaders, accessed over $170 million in funding, and is building over 240 disability-forward homes across the U.S. More information on The Kelsey can be found at their website: thekelsey.org. A complete project proposal can be viewed here.
Phase 1: Current Needs Assessment
completed June 2024
The Kelsey formed a project steering committee of community members, including individuals with lived experience with disability as well as technical experts, and conducted listening sessions with a broad group of local residents, developers, and designers selected by the steering committee. An analysis of existing Affordable and Workforce housing and current disability services was also conducted.
Phase 2: Policy Recommendations & Feasibility Analysis
completed June 2024
Next, The Kelsey focused on local policy recommendations and a feasibility analysis for implementing those best-practice recommendations. Results from Phases 1 and 2 were presented publicly at the June 17, 2024 Jackson Town Council meeting.
Phase 3: Technical Assistance for Local Development Community & Final Report
completed October 2024 & December 2024
Work with The Kelsey on this initial project concluded with outreach and education to our local development community. Experts on The Kelsey's Inclusive Design Standards and resident services held two teaching webinars for local designers, developers, property managers, and other interested parties.
- Inclusive Design Standards Presentation Slides
- Inclusive Design Standards on The Kelsey website and in pdf
- Inclusive Property Management Presentation Recording
- Plain Language Leasing Guide by The Kelsey
All project work was compiled in this Final Report: The Kelsey's Housing Accessibility Study for Jackson/Teton County, WY