FAQ

Sheltering Tree offers consumer-controlled apartments that have amenities that are attractive to adults with developmental disabilities.

We currently do not have any vacancies. However, Sheltering Tree is growing and we do have a waitlist available. Please follow the Road to Residency process outlined on the Our Communities page.

Sheltering Tree Resident Eligibility Requirements

Persons residing in Sheltering Tree apartment communities, with the exception of Tenant Assistants, must have a developmental disability. Sheltering Tree policies for eligibility of tenants to live in an apartment built or managed by Sheltering Tree are in part based on the funding approvals for building the apartment complexes. The specific definitions of acceptability are outlined as follows:

Qualifying Criteria

Persons residing in Sheltering Tree apartment communities, with the exception of tenant assistants, must have a developmental disability as defined in Neb. Rev Stat., 83-1205 and 83-1206.01, quoted below.

83-1205. Developmental disability, defined.

Developmental disability shall mean a severe, chronic disability, including an intellectual disability, other than mental illness, which:

1. Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment unless the impairment is solely attributable to a severe emotional disturbance or persistent mental illness;
2. Is manifested before the age of twenty-two years;
3. Is likely to continue indefinitely;
4. Results in substantial functional limitations in one of each of the following areas of adaptive functioning:
   1. Conceptual skills, including language, literacy, money, time, number concepts, and self- direction;
   2. Social skills, including interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem, gullibility, wariness, social problem solving, and the ability to follow laws and rules and to avoid being victimized; and
   3. Practical skills, including activities of daily living, personal care, occupational skills, healthcare, mobility, and the capacity for independent living; and
5. Reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.

83-1206.01. Intellectual disability, defined.

Intellectual disability means significant subaverage general intellectual functioning which is associated with significant impairments in adaptive functioning manifested before the age of twenty-two years. Significant subaverage general intellectual functioning shall refer to a score of seventy or below on a properly administered and valid intelligence quotient test.

Disqualifying Factors

Persons who have developmental disabilities as set forth above are nonetheless disqualified from residing in Sheltering Tree apartment communities if any of the following apply: (i) the person would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals; (ii) the person’s tenancy would result in the risk of substantial damage to the property of others; (iii) the person is a current user of illegal controlled substances or has been convicted for illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance; or (iv) the person is a sex offender.

• Controlled Access Entry
• Live, Work, Play Community Rooms
• On-Site Laundry
• Activity Director/Community Life Activity Calendar
• Meal Plan
• Accessible Design
• Pedestrian Oriented Locations
• Security Cameras
• Health and Wellness Space/Activities
• Life Skills Training Program
• Therapeutic Garden
• Tenant Assistants Living On-Site
• Life Loop Communication System

Sheltering Tree is not a provider agency and does not provide direct support to tenants living in a Sheltering Tree apartment. A tenant must “bring their own independence.” Meaning that it is up to the tenant and the tenant’s family/guardians to determine the level of support the person needs and make all arrangements to obtain that support.

No.

Because Sheltering Tree tenants qualify and utilize housing subsidy programs, the tenant pays one-third of their personal income for rent and utilities combined making the cost affordable.

Tenant Assistants (TAs) live and work alongside the Sheltering Tree tenants and are there to encourage the tenants’ understanding of living together within a community of their peers. TAs often implement and participate in activities together with tenants.

TAs monitor the entrance of the building to ensure that all visitors have a purpose to be in the building, providing safety and security for the tenants. TAs are in the building overnight and can be accessed in the case of an emergency. TAs also assist with mitigating building-related issues between the tenant and the management company.

A Monday through Friday evening catered meal plan is available to tenants for an additional cost.

No.

Sheltering Tree offers a robust Activity and Enrichment Program that offers life-enhancing experiences for tenants.

Led by an experienced Activity Director, a monthly calendar of activities that are designed to foster belongingness, is available to all tenants.

The Life Loop Communication system is used to sign up for activities and allows the tenant to provide feedback related to the activities in which they’ve participated. Parents/Guardians can also access the Life Loop system.

Growth Opportunities for Apartment Living Success (GOALS) offers classes to assist tenants in living safe, healthy, enriched lives and achieving long-term success living independently in their own apartments. Future tenants will begin preparing and planning for apartment living and current tenants will expand their existing skills.

Six key topics will be taught in fun, interactive classes.

1. Nebraska RentWise: How to Be a Successful Tenant
2. Money Management: Real World Budgeting
3. People Skills: Social Success
4. Personal Health and Wellness
5. Be Safe: Properly Interacting with First Responders
6. First Aid/CPR