Our Mission
ASSIST Inc is an independent nonprofit Community Design Center founded in 1969 by the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Utah and the Utah Society of the American Institute of Architects. For the past 50 years ASSIST has been providing architectural design, community planning and development assistance to nonprofit and community groups; housing repair for low income households; and accessibility design assistance to people with disabilities.
ASSIST operates an Emergency Home Repair (EHR) program in thirteen cities and the unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County and provides Accessibility Design Assistance throughout the State of Utah.
As a private 501(c)(3) organization receiving federal funds, ASSIST is committed to complying with Federal Fair Housing and non-discrimination laws. For additional Fair Housing information, visit HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1969 Started by Carl Inoway in corner of Utah AIA office
1970 Incorporated 11/20/1970 as 501(c)(3) Utah Corporation
1971 Received Model Cities grant of $22,000 and moved to 218 E 500 S
1972 Surveyed central city residents and started Emergency Home Repair program
1975 Published Inside-Out-Renewal study and models
1980 Published Gateway study and West South Temple A Mixed-Use Development District study and model
1982 Published Housing in Different Contexts
1985 Published Rural Design and Jefferson Historical District study (Ogden)
1986 Published Sandy Historic District study and model
1987 Co-Founded Urban Design Coalition. Printed Poor Choices Threaten poster
1988 Participated in AIA R/UDAT (regional/urban design assistance team)
1990 Set up Community Development Corporation of Utah
1992 Hosted Association for Community Design annual national meeting
1993 Published and distributed to all Utah legislators Our Transportation Future
1994 Co-sponsored New Utah Housing Competition
1995 Put on Future Moves Conference at Salt Palace
1996 Sponsored East Downtown community design workshops
1997 Presented at Gov. Leavitt’s Growth Summit
1998 Participated in original Envision Utah Scenarios Committee. Published ASSIST Guidebook to the Accessible Home, Ed. 1
2000 Citizens’ Alternative to the Legacy Highway presented
2002 ASSIST Guidebook to the Accessible Home, Ed. 2 published
2005 ASSIST Guidebook Ed. 3 published. Distributed 10,000 Visiting New Heights visitablity posters. Legacy Parkway and Preserve settlement.
2008 Published IDEAS for Home Improvement Energy, Water & Access
2011 Proposed 300 South Bicycle Boulevard. Provided 13 Energy Efficiency grants
2012 Hosted Association for Community Design annual national meeting
2013 Presented AIA national conference on Visitability for Healthy Neighborhoods. Joined Green and Healthy Homes collaboration
2014 Presented Shared Solution alternative to the West Davis Freeway. Published Bright IDEAS for Home Improvement Health, Energy, Access, Water
2015 Presented on design leadership for visitability and practical modifications to the U.S. Access Board