By Lissa Guyton
Published: Mar. 12, 2025 at 5:44 PM EDT
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Ability Center works to increase independence for people with disabilities. The organization does that in a number of ways, including through a program that helps connect people to housing.
The Disability Housing Program at The Ability Center started in March of last year. Since then, dozens of people have received life-changing help.
Jason Fish is one of the people who received help.
“If I didn’t have The Ability Center, I wouldn’t have a place like this right now, that’s for sure,” Fish said.
Fish is a single father with disabilities. He said he received a 30-day eviction notice last fall and struggled to find a new place to live.
“Any place you find is high rent, and I was overwhelmed looking everywhere. I couldn’t find anything,” Fish said.
They were able to stay with his children’s grandfather while he looked for a new home. Fish said he was eventually referred to The Ability Center by someone at his church.
“This is like one of the best places I’ve ever had. It’s amazing,” Fish said.
Fish moved in this past January.
“It has changed my life, this job,” Chere Olvera, a disability housing advocate at The Ability Center, said.
Olvera helped Fish qualify for housing assistance.
“We do have a challenge in our community with accessible housing,” Olvera said.
The Ability Center is on the frontlines of the effort to change that.
“I help individuals with disabilities find housing. and when you have a home, everything else comes together in your life. you can see them just relax, it’s very heartwarming,” Olvera said.
Olvera’s job includes working with landlords and connecting people to other community resources. The organization Off The Streets Toledo provided some furniture for Fish and his kids.
“Off The Streets Ministries came along and brought a couch, dressers and chairs. It was just awesome having people like that come and care,” Fish said.
Fish said he’s amazed by all the people and organizations that have come alongside him to help. Especially The Ability Center.
“If they weren’t here, I wouldn’t be here with this nice place I have. I am very grateful,” Fish said.
The process of finding housing through The Ability Center program usually takes three to six months.