Community Service
Coalition for Barrier Free Living
Help for people with disabilities to live independently — housing assistance, skills training, peer support, and help getting the services you need.
Details
EligibilityPeople with disabilities in the Houston area
HoursMon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. ”
— Socrates.Related
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The Change Lab 2025 Annual Report: Building Civic Infrastructure Through Community Connection
“ THE CHANGE LAB A community of practice 2025 ANNUAL REPORT THE CHANGE LABthechangelab.net · A fiscally sponsored project of Impact Hub Houston · Page 1 of 2 We connect by serving and learning toget...”
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Social Connection in America: 2025 Survey Report on Community Bonds and Well-Being
“ 2025 Survey Report About This Project This survey will catalyze a broad and lasting impact—transforming how we define, prioritize, and support social connection in America. This survey is led by D...”
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From the Library
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Women Fight Extremism and Build Peace WorldwideThe International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) works to prevent violent extremism by supporting women peacebuilders around the world. ICAN believes that women are often the first to notice when extremist groups are growing in their communities. These groups often promote ideas that women should be controlled by men and use violence to spread their beliefs. But women also have special skills to counter these harmful messages and build peace instead. ICAN provides training, research, and advocacy to help women leaders create what they call 'PREP' - Peaceful conflict resolution, Resilience against hate, Equality for all people, and Pluralism that celebrates diversity. They work with local women's organizations to develop solutions that fit each community's specific needs. The organization has published research reports and case studies showing how women successfully prevent extremism by building trust in their communities and creating positive alternatives to violence. Their approach focuses on what communities should build toward, not just what they should fight against.
Free Community Leadership Training and Resources for HoustonThe LISC Institute for Community Power offers free training and resources to help Houston residents become stronger community leaders. LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) is a national organization that helps neighborhoods grow without pushing out current residents. Their institute shares guides, reports, and webinars about community development. They highlight successful programs like Training the Trainers (T4T) in Houston, which teaches residents how to lead in their own neighborhoods. The institute covers topics like affordable housing, community ownership, resident leadership, and economic development. They offer webinars for community developers, reports on housing policies, and spotlights on successful local programs. Houston residents can access their online library of resources, sign up for their newsletter, and attend virtual events. The content is designed for community development organizations, residents who want to get involved, policymakers, and anyone working to improve neighborhoods. All resources focus on helping communities control their own development and build power from within.
How a Global Nonprofit Helps 2 Million People During CrisisHumanity & Inclusion is a global nonprofit that helps vulnerable people in 55 countries. They work with people with disabilities, refugees, and those affected by poverty and disasters. When COVID-19 started, they quickly changed their plans to help over 2 million people worldwide. They created new programs to fight false information about the virus, helped people make masks for jobs, and gave out cleaning supplies. When explosions happened in Beirut, Lebanon in 2020, they set up an emergency donation page in just 10 minutes and raised money to help 1,200 new donors support their work. The organization has been doing this humanitarian work for almost 40 years with 4,250 staff members around the world. They use digital tools to quickly respond to crises and help people in places like Bangladesh refugee camps, Togo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their work includes removing dangerous weapons, making schools more inclusive, and helping people with disabilities. This shows how nonprofits can use technology to rapidly scale their response during emergencies and reach people who need help most.
Disabled& Creates Space for Artists with DisabilitiesDisabled& is a groundbreaking community that creates space for disabled artists and creative people to connect, create, and show up as their full selves. Founded by April Lockhart, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and disability advocate, this organization celebrates how disability can be a source of joy, power, and creativity. Disabled& offers community events, newsletters, and membership opportunities that bring together disabled creatives from all backgrounds. The organization works with major fashion brands like Anthropologie and Victoria's Secret, as well as media outlets like Vogue, to amplify disabled voices and showcase disabled talent. As the first community of its kind, Disabled& bridges the gap between disability identity and creative empowerment. Through partnerships with fashion brands, media companies, and advocacy groups, they create opportunities for disabled artists to be seen and heard. The organization focuses on building authentic connections and fostering creative expression within disabled communities. Their work helps break down barriers in creative industries while celebrating the unique perspectives that disabled people bring to art, fashion, and culture. Disabled& proves that disability and creativity go hand in hand, creating a more inclusive creative world.
Similar Services (2)
All servicesDisability Rights Texas — HoustonFree legal advocacy for people with disabilities. They help with education rights, employment, access to services, and voting.METROLift ParatransitDoor-to-door transportation for people whose disability prevents them from using regular buses or trains. You need to apply and be approved first.
The Journey
9 connected resources across 5 levelsTrail depth
Level 1
Get CuriousRead, watch, explore2 resourcesLevel 2
Find Your PeopleMeet orgs, neighbors, groups6 resourcesYou are hereOrganizationHumanity & InclusionThis organization helps people with disabilities and others who need support in 55 countries around the world. They work to make sure everyone has what they need to live a good life, especially during tough times like disasters or conflicts.
OrganizationCenter for Independent LivingThis center helps people with disabilities learn skills and get tools they need to live independently. They teach life skills, help find accessible housing, and connect people with equipment that makes daily tasks easier.
OrganizationJohn HancockJohn Hancock is a big company that helps pay for outdoor parks and spaces that work well for people of all ages. They make sure parks are easy to use whether you're young or old, and everyone can enjoy being outside safely.
+3 more at this levelLevel 3
Show UpEvents, meetings, volunteeringWe are building resources for this level
Level 4
Go DeeperTraining, sustained involvement1 resourceLevel 5
Make Your MoveAdvocacy, organizing, creatingWe are building resources for this level
Focus Areas