RLO began as a grassroots demonstration project in January 1996 providing homeownership opportunities to interested and capable people with disabilities. In the first two years of the project, ten (10) people in Chester County became proud homeowners exceeding all other efforts in the state.  In the process, RLO identified the need for an organization to provide coordination of existing resources as well as advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities pursuing any housing of their choice.

RLO incorporated in 1998 governed by a Board of Directors comprised of over 51% people with disabilities and family members. Over the next year our Housing Support Program for People with Disabilities provided information and referral, development of individual housing plans, outreach and education in Chester County. 

Our reputation began to spread, and in 1999 we were approached by the Delaware County Council to offer services to people with disabilities in their county. With funds obtained through the Office of Housing and Community Development, we began a duplicate program to serve people with disabilities in Delaware County. In 1999, RLO also became an affiliate for the Self Determination Housing Project of PA, providing resources in the southeast region regarding housing and disability services.

In the fall of 2000, we were approached by the Chester County Office of Mental Retardation to develop an Independent Monitoring Program as a means of ascertaining consumer satisfaction of individuals receiving services funded by the county. Through our extensive network of families and individuals with disabilities, RLO was well positioned to utilize existing volunteers who were committed to the goal of this project.

In January 2002 RLO established a Home Modification Program in Chester County in collaboration with the Housing Partnership Development Corporation. The program provides accessible modifications that allow people with permanent physical disabilities to remain in homes of their choice in the community. Also in January 2002, RLO began facilitation of a Local Housing Option Team (LHOT) in Delaware County to formally coordinate housing and disability services. 

In January 2003 we were extremely proud to have been chosen as the Regional Housing Coordinator for a project funded by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). This project is a direct result of the efforts of the Self Determination Housing Project, and as one of only five regional directors, we participate in a statewide initiative to combine DPW funding for supports with housing resources and subsidies.

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