For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, the Deaf Independent Living Association, Inc. (DILA) manages ten specially designed houses in Salisbury, Easton and Berlin, Maryland. Purchased through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 8/202 program, these houses are licensed under the State of Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) as Alternative Living Units (ALUs) for people with hearing loss.
About ALUs
Featuring daily residential support and special modifications, ALUs help occupants acquire basic skills for independent living, including money management and employment assistance. While DILA staff members do not actually live in the ALUs, they do provide ongoing support based on the tenant’s independent living program plan.
Each ALU accommodates a maximum of three residents who must meet HUD and DILA eligibility requirements. ALUs include a private bedroom for each resident and a communal kitchen and living room. Individuals are assigned a specific ALU based on their unique needs and preferences.
All ALUs are located in safe, friendly neighborhoods and feature special accommodations for occupants, including:
- TTYs (text telephones)
- Closed-captioned televisions
- Flashing light system to signal a fire alarm, ringing telephone and doorbell.
Deaf and hard of hearing individuals must meet the eligibility requirements to live in one of the ALUs.
Eligibility Requirements (HUD & DILA)
HUD —
- Completed HUD Section 8 Housing form
- Elderly or disabled
- On a low to moderate income
- U.S. Citizenship or eligible immigration status
DILA —
- Deaf or hard of hearing
- 18 years or older
- Willing to accept independent living services.
- Employed or actively seeking employment
- Referred by the DDA or an out-of-state agency (some exceptions apply)
To Learn More...
 For more information about our alternative living units, call 410-742-5052 (voice/TTY) or email dila@dila.org.
Click here to read 'Alternative Living Units' Fact Sheet
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