The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a notice of funding availability for Mainstream (Section 811) Vouchers. The funding will be awarded to public housing agencies (PHAs) to support vouchers that provide sustained community-based integrated housing opportunities to non-elderly people with disabilities. HUD expects to award $150 million to house approximately 18,000 families.
When reviewing funding applications, HUD will provide additional points for PHAs that target funds to assist non-elderly people with disabilities who:
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Are transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings
- Are at serious risk of institutionalization
- Are currently experiencing homelessness
- Previously experienced homelessness and currently a client in a permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing project
- Are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
In addition, points will be awarded for PHAs that formalize partnerships with, and leverage resources from, state Medicaid agencies and various health and human services partner agencies or organizations including community-based disability organizations. Applicants are encouraged to establish formal partnerships with agencies or organizations with a demonstrated capacity to coordinate voluntary services and supports to enable individuals to live independently in the community.
Vouchers must be used to assist non-elderly people with disabilities (ages 18 up to 62) and their families. The eligible household member does not have to be head of the household. Eligibility is determined at the time the voucher is first issued.
The funding announcement comes as ACL and the disability community celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Olmstead v L.C. ruling stating that people with disabilities cannot be unnecessarily segregated into institutions and must receive services in the most integrated setting possible. Ensuring that people with disabilities have accessible and affordable housing options is essential to achieving Olmstead’s promise of community living.
Applications are due on Thursday, September 5, 2019. HUD will post a pre-recorded webinar on the NOFA within the next two weeks. The webinar will be posted to the Mainstream Voucher Program webpage and will be announced via the Mainstream Vouchers listserv.
Please send questions to MainstreamVouchers@hud.gov.