Housing Myth Busting Community Spotlight

Posted on October 3, 2024

Thomas Hassell a long-time advocate for people with disabilities, Thomas is involved with several organizations, including Spectrum Friends and SAU1. He is also a photographer and has volunteered at the Mechanicsburg and the National Civil War Museums for over 15 years, sharing his love of history with the public. Thomas was interviewed by the Housing Myth-Busting team members Gretchen and Elijah. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity, but the words are all Thomas’s own.

Can you tell us a little about where you live?
Okay, I live in Mechanicsburg, (Cumberland County), Pennsylvania. It is on the west shore and [my town is] is an historic town because it goes back to the time of the American Civil War.

Is it a small town?
It is a small town. I consider it a small city town. It’s got a small-town feel, but it is very large in distance.

And do you live in an apartment?
Yes, I do live in an apartment.

Okay, do you rent?
Yes, that is correct.

Thomas, how long have you been living on your own?
I’d say I’ve been living on my own for probably more than two decades.

What is one thing you know now you wished you’d known before living on your own?
Oh, I would have to say the cost of everything. It can get very costly living on your own with rent, electricity, food, and whatever else.

That is really a good example. Thank you.
You are welcome.

What are some steps you took before you moved from your family home to get ready to live in your place?
I would have to say that I had to find a place I could afford to live in, first of all. Because I live in a section 8 housing apartment. . .It’s interesting living in a Section 8 housing apartment.

Who helped you plan your move to your own place?
That would be my brother’s wife.

What sort of things did you do with your sister-in-law to get ready?
Well, first of all as I have a heart condition, to help me move stuff, because I can’t do a lot of stuff. Like that. Plus, she helped me with the money and everything else, plus paperwork.

Is that who helped you apply for section 8? Because I know that’s a lengthy process.
Yes, I have been living in this apartment for over 17 years now.

How are you paying for living in your own place?
Social Security and SSDI.

Do you feel you are receiving enough support?
I have family and friend’s support.

What skills do you think have been most important for living on your own?
Oh boy, there’s a couple of them. I’d say being able to find transportation, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry — I mean there is a whole list.

What is one thing that is wonderful about living in your own place?
I can come and go when I please.

Yes, that is nice, do you have housemates? Why or why not?
No. Well, this is only a single apartment building.

Do you have social spaces in your community that you use or go to frequently?
There is a town park that I sometimes go to.

Do you feel included in your neighborhood?
Oh, the only people I really know are my neighbors in my building I do not know too many people outside of my building.

What advice do you have for other people with disabilities who are thinking about getting their own place?
I think it’s very right…if someone with a disability wants to live on their own –become independent –I think it is a very important step in their lives.

How do you get around your neighborhood?
Basically walking. I can’t drive because of health concerns.

Do you have to have stores around you?
There are a few, but most of the businesses are on (a highway). It’s where the bigger businesses are but there are stores around, just in town here.

What do you like to do in your free time around your apartment?
I think my basic one is photography, I’m an avid photographer.

Cool! What are your subjects?
Basically, I’ve been taking pictures around Mechanicsburg plus I’m a volunteer with the National Civil War Museum, so I take pictures from there. I have my own photography page on Facebook.

Thomas, I’ve been to the Civil War Museum, and I really liked it!
I’m a volunteer there. Yeah, I’ve been volunteering there for well over a decade. I started almost 16 maybe 17 years ago.

That’s awesome. What do you do there?
I have a Civil War replica items table. I’m located on the second-floor exhibit hall…Plus I also volunteer at my local museum which is the Mechanicsburg Museum Association…I’m {also} a Board member with the Greater Harrisburg Autism Society affiliate. I also run an ASD adult support group Spectrum Friends, and I’m a blogger with the ASDNext website, and I am also a member of a podcast cafe group for those with a disability and or autism…. I am on two different autism science new advocate research teams as well.

You’re really doing a lot of advocating for others. That’s wonderful!
Yes, I’m a well-known autism self-advocate. I have two advocacy awards to my name… I have an autism advocacy award, and I have a disability award… I’m well-known in Pennsylvania. {My group Spectrum friends–I am the head of the group, or the leader I’ve been doing this for more than 7 years now…. Our meetings are what is called a hybrid meeting. It’s both in person and on Zoom… We’ve got over 20 members right now. We meet on the fourth Wednesday for 10 of the 12 months of the year and we will meet the second Wednesday in November and December due to the holidays. Our meetings are held at the Giant Supermarket in Camp Hill, Pa., the meeting is held in the large room in the community center on the second floor at 6:30 pm.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I just want to thank you for inviting me to be a part of this interview! I am with the SAU 1 organization too as the newest advisor to the board.