HUD offers funds for poor with disabilities

States can apply immediately for $85 million federal housing funds for poor people with disabilities, as part of the program Section 811, which provides money to centers that partner with Medicaid and health and human services.

The funds will be released by the Department of House and Urban Development.  This is the first time funds will be allocated to centers that meet new eligibility criteria, including having a partnership with a state health and human services and Medicaid agency to provide basic healthcare.

Housing providers have until July 31, 2012 to apply for funds, which will benefit 2,800 poor with disabilities.

“The reforms the Obama Administration has made to the Section 811 program will strengthen HUD's efforts to provide affordable, supportive housing to thousands of the most vulnerable low-income persons with disabilities," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “HUD and the Department of Health and Human Services are also seizing the opportunity to support innovative state-level strategies to transform and increase the availability of affordable housing, matched with needed services and supports, that will help keep people with disabilities out of institutions and integrated into the community.”

“We are excited about this new opportunity for housing with services for people with disabilities,” said Health and Human Resources Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  “Our collaboration with HUD is critically important to helping people with disabilities lead productive lives as members of their communities.  This is a priority for our Department, which is reflected in the recent creation of the Administration for Community Living.  This agency provides leadership within HHS and across the federal government to make sure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live in the community with the right mix of services and supports."

Both federal agencies want states to link individuals to get quality and affordable housing, with state-provided healthcare. Only current housing centers can qualify for the funds, whose tenants may be referred by Medicaid and other health agencies. Funds cannot be used for construction or rehabilitation.

 “The Section 811 Program is a lifeline for people in the disability community who want to live normal lives in society, but cannot afford the cost of even modest rental housing.  These reforms make the program even more significant to improve the lives of thousands more people with long-term disabilities," said Andrew Sperling, housing Co-Chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force.

The funds challenge agencies to locate people who make 30 percent, or less than the average household income in an area. Under the plan, only 25 percent of units in a building could be used.