Guiding People Home

This document, Guiding People Home: The Role of Wisconsin’s Supported Housing Specialist, dives into the innovative work of Marcie Brost, who pioneered the role of Supported Housing Specialist in Wisconsin. ​ Over six years, Marcie collaborated with families, service providers, and housing agencies to help people with disabilities secure individualized housing solutions—whether through homeownership, rentals, or accessibility improvements. ​ The booklet explores her strategies for bridging gaps between the housing, service, and personal worlds, emphasizing the importance of relationships, resourcefulness, and long-term planning. ​

Readers will learn how Marcie’s “least difference” approach prioritizes income and assets over disability, empowering individuals to access mainstream housing resources while navigating challenges like poverty, discrimination, and entitlement assumptions. The document also highlights her role in fostering local partnerships, mentoring housing counselors, and influencing systems to create sustainable, individualized housing options. ​ Packed with real-world examples, it showcases how Marcie’s work has helped hundreds of households, proving that with determination and collaboration, people with disabilities can achieve safe, affordable, and independent living.

Whether you’re a housing advocate, service provider, or someone seeking inspiration for inclusive housing solutions, this paper offers practical insights and a hopeful perspective on transforming housing systems to better serve people with disabilities. ​ Dive in to discover how one person’s vision can spark systemic change and empower communities to create lasting opportunities.