Allan’s Story
Born and raised in Cleveland, Allan has called Cotman Vistas home for more than a decade. Moving into the Vistas Apartments in his mid-twenties, Allan has been able to grow into his adulthood, “[Moving into the Vistas] can give you independence and make you feel like an adult, like you have your own. It can help you grow in so many ways; I took my past life lessons and was able to grow into them here and gain my independence.”
Allan utilizes forearm crutches and a wheelchair, depending on what he has planned for the day, to help him embrace his independence. He starts most days with a prayer before running errands or going to his part-time job as a ticket-taker at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where he enjoys people watching and interacting with individuals on their way to see the animals. On days when he’s not working, you can find him in his apartment, watching a movie or his favorite TV show: Chicago PD, listening to his favorite podcast, or playing video games.
Having lived in Cotman Vistas for more than 10 years, Allan enjoys the independence the Vistas give him to be able to call his apartment his home, and where he sees himself being for the foreseeable future. “It’s a community here, you can stop in the hall to have a conversation about the game, or just see how you’re doing – people are always looking out for one another.”
When asked what he would like others to know about MaxHousing and accessible housing, Allan said, “We need to know and recognize that people with physical limitations need a place to live, we need a sense of freedom and belonging. We all have gifts and talents. When you have a community, everyone knows you and looks out for one another. Sometimes, it can feel like we are marginalized; [at the Vistas] it feels like we matter and have an impact on the community.”
MaxHousing and Cotman Vistas is dedicated to providing accessible housing and is generously supported by donors and sponsors.