ATLANTA — Today, the Southern Economic Advancement Project (SEAP) and New Disabled South released their American Rescue Plan (ARP) in Action for the Disability Community success stories. This new resource highlights how local leaders are allocating ARP funds to create fair and inclusive communities across the South.
“These examples represent the narrative we at SEAP have pushed since day one of these dollars reaching communities, and that is putting the people first,” said Sarah Beth Gehl, SEAP’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to provide local leaders with concrete examples and best practices of how these funds can assist in developing initiatives and programs that uplift the disability community.”
From housing to transportation services to infrastructure needs, the initiatives within this resource highlight how greatly these recovery dollars are impacting the disability community. For example, The Loveland Center, Inc. in Sarasota County, Florida, received $5 million from the county’s ARP budget to help fund the construction of “The Villas at Loveland Village,” an affordable housing project to construct up to 80 residential units. Smaller budgets are also making a difference, as Marengo County, Alabama allocated $5,600 to build an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp at the Hwy 43 Linden voting location.
“New Disabled South is proud to partner with SEAP on this resource, which we hope will heighten awareness and provide guidance around how ARP dollars have impacted our community—especially in the South,” said Dom Kelly, New Disabled South’s President & CEO. “The disability community benefits greatly from these funds, and it is paramount that they continue to be used for initiatives that foster access, equity, and inclusion.”
Along with the success stories, the organizations have created a digital toolkit for advocates and nonprofits to share on social media. Don’t forget to use the #ARPinAction.
About the Southern Economic Advancement Project
SEAP is your partner and resource. SEAP amplifies existing organizations’ and networks’ efforts to broaden economic power and build a more equitable future. Broadening economic power brings attention to how race, class, and gender intersect in social and economic policy in the South. SEAP explores policy ideas designed to address these connections directly. SEAP focuses on 12 Southern states and marginalized/vulnerable populations within the region.
About New Disabled South
New Disabled South is a 501(c)(3) organization aimed at improving the lives of disabled people living in the South through organizing, advocacy, and research.
–END–