By Tricia of Allsup

Affordable housing is a top concern for many Americans these days, but especially so for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.

An announcement this week promises important help, but for a limited number of extremely low-income people with disabilities.

For a limited time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing additional funding to support this group. Organizations that provide housing have until July 31, 2012, to apply for funds to support housing for 2,800 extremely low-income people with disabilities.

To find out if you could get help in your area, please contact the Housing Authority in your area.

Weblinks To State Housing Authorities

1. Here is a link to housing authorities by state: http://www.hud.gov/local/
2. Additional offices are listed by state at this link; simply insert the two-letter abbreviation for your state. Example: California– insert “ca”
   Link: http://www.hud.gov/local/ca/renting/hawebsites.cfm

Call For Help

HUD also provides a Housing Counseling Help Line by calling (800) 569-4287.

HUD Section 811 Funding

The HUD’s Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program is making this funding available to state housing agencies for the first time. These agencies must meet specific criteria to be eligible.

The Notice of Funding for the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance is posted here: http://go.usa.gov/pCO. Under new eligibility requirements, only state or local housing agencies that are currently administering affordable housing programs are eligible for these funds. This funding program is a joint initiative of HUD and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.