Autism Housing Pathways launches revolving loan fund for security deposits

Autism Housing Pathways (AHP) is very pleased to announce the creation of The Nicholas and Will Fund, thanks to a very generous donation from JigSaw Affordable Housing Foundation. The principals of JigSaw Affordable Housing Foundation, Kim Kearns-Nardone and Jody Geany, were respectively inspired by two young people with autism in their communities, Nicholas and Will.

The Nicholas and Will Fund is essentially a revolving loan fund to enable individuals with developmental disabilities who have received a housing voucher to be able to cover a security deposit. Security deposits are generally calculated at the market rate, and individuals who do not have cash on hand to cover them are at risk of losing their housing voucher.

The fund will provide an interest-free loan program for the tenant and a guarantee to the landlord that, in the event of a default, the landlord will be reimbursed the amount of the security deposit. The tenant will be responsible to make monthly payments over a 12- to 24-month period interest-free to Autism Housing Pathways, and when the amount is paid in full, the funds will be transferred to the landlord to hold as the tenant’s security deposit.

Loan applicants will need to have a referral from a service coordinator at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or a case worker at a Family Support Center or Autism Support Center.

AHP hopes to begin accepting applications this fall, and to initially fund one or two loans per year. As the fund grows, we hope to fund additional loans.

Donations to the fund may be made via PayPal: