Good day! 

 

Sorry for the long subject heading.  I am new to the site and was told this might be the place to ask this question.  First off, my quick background. I work as a service coordinator for adults and children with disabilities in Cuyahoga County Ohio, specifically the neighborhoods of Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway.  I am fairly versed with social services and such but not so much with property.

 

I have a gent who works out of his own home collecting antiques and recycled materials to sell. He travels the area, finds materials, brings them back to his place and cleans them up if it is antique stuff or strips other things for their metals or other recyclable materials.

 

He is looking to find a place that better matches his avocation.  A typical apartment doesn't meet this at all.  What would be nice are these "artist lofts" that are so popular, especially on the East Side of Cleveland.  Old warehouses and factories converted to living and working spaces.  The polished concrete floors, lots of head room and overall sturdy construction would be perfect for this guy. Sadly, they tend to be WAY overpriced, especially for someone who lives on disability checks and what he can get recycling/scrapping.

 

Any ideas of low-end versions of these spaces?  I have spoken with some realtors in the area but no help (They seem more focused on apartment dwellings of traditional sorts or housing).  Just curious if anyone has any ideas on this.

 

I appreciate the time!  Have a great week!

 

Ciao,

 

Phil

 

 

Hi Phil - welcome to the forum. One of my loved ones is on disability so my heart goes out to your client. And kudos to him for pursuing something he's interested in. I've asked around and while I don't know any available spots myself, perhaps others do. One question, though - aren't there limitations on those on disability as far as supplemental income goes? In other words, if his work-at-home business turned a substantial profit, would his benefits be penalized?

 

 

MayDay, thanks for the welcome!

 

Yah, if he made substantial money recycling or re-selling he would get into trouble.  But the upward limit for SSI (I believe) is somewhere around $1500 a month.  Right now, this isn't "income" any more than people recycling their cans at a local food store claim that as income.  The hope is that with better space it can become more than just pocket change and at that point, he would report these more significant earnings to Social Security.  The threshold where it starts to effect his income starts sooner than the $1500 but right now he pulls in, oh, about $20 a week, maybe double on a good week, so he isn't close to making anything close to livable let alone something to impact his benefits.

 

Have a great day!

 

 

Blinker12, where are you?

 

Send a private message to Blinker12.  He might be able to help you out.