KATE GOODMAN is all too familiar with how quickly life can change. Her sister, Beth, was driving back from visiting the Outer Banks with her 3-year-old daughter when someone suddenly rear-ended her car, sending her vehicle into the back of a flatbed truck. Beth suffered a traumatic brain injury and soon found herself disabled and unable to meet her financial obligations. After looking for appropriate housing for Beth for about 10 years, Kate discovered Rush Homes.
Rush Homes develops affordable, accessible housing for our neighbors with both disabilities and low incomes. The organization rents one-, two-, and three-bedroom units at affordable rates and manages and maintains the homes. Kate, who serves as the director of development and marketing for Rush Homes, pointed out that its homes differ from what most would consider “plain, old affordable housing.”
Rush Homes accepts housing choice vouchers from the Lynchburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (LRHA). According to Kate, those vouchers make up the difference between what Rush Homes charges for rent and what a tenant can afford living on, on a low income — often of only $12,000 a year or less. The LRHA administers the voucher program but doesn’t have enough funding to meet the need for vouchers. For those fortunate enough to receive one, the vouchers make it possible to spend no more than 30% of their income on housing, including utilities.
Executive Director Tracey Ballagh said the key to their homes is “dignity.”
“Everybody wants dignity — everybody wants respect and self-respect. When you are independent and have that autonomy, you can say, ‘This [home] is mine, and look what I can do for myself.’”
Rush Homes began with a mother’s love for her son with disabilities. James and Mabel Rush accepted a call to a local Methodist church so their son, Jimmy, could live at the Central VA Training Center (CVTC). Born with profound developmental disabilities, Jimmy was cared for at home by his parents as long as was possible. As he and they grew older, it was necessary to find a new way for the family to thrive.
After Jimmy’s father died, the CVTC situation became untenable. Mabel searched for a plan that would work for Jimmy and others like him and found a model in Michigan that, with some alterations, seemed like it might work.
Along with other interested parents of children with disabilities and community members, the Mabel Rush Foundation was formed.
Jimmy’s house in Lynchburg was purchased in 1996, and he lived there until he died in 2023. When asked what would make him happy, Jimmy replied, “A backyard and a basketball hoop.” He got both. His mother passed away as he was making the move into his new home, but she lived to see that her son would be well cared for beyond the time when she could be his caretaker.
One of the most significant benefits provided by Rush Homes is that all units are built to a high degree of accessibility. Kate pointed out that many homes have roll-under cabinets and roll-in showers for wheelchair users. Many units feature electrical outlets installed higher for easier reach. If you visit a home provided by Rush Homes, you won’t find any doorknobs — only handles in case someone has dexterity difficulties. Additionally, all stoves have front-mounted controls.
In addition to building the units where its tenants live, Rush Homes also provides assistance to its tenants in various ways through its resident services coordinator.
The staff member provides services such as nutrition classes, movie afternoons, and bingo games. Beyond the fun activities, the coordinator assists residents with applications for Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, establishing a primary care physician, and other holistic services. Rush Homes also offers training for in-home care and self-care.
“We are advocate landlords and a residential support network for our tenants,” Kate added. “Our residents feel a real pride of place.”
Today, Rush Homes has 152 units throughout Lynchburg with a waiting list of about 500 people.
Kate reflected on her personal experience with Rush Homes.
“I want to ask people to take a minute to look beyond themselves and their situations and ponder what might happen … and to realize the difference a gift to Rush Homes could make.”
Tracey returned to her initial thoughts about dignity.
“I would like for everyone to see the person and not the situation and recognize that everyone deserves a home.” GN
