Washington State Secures $8M Funding for Adults With Disabilities

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Washington State is set to receive a significant funding boost from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support adults with disabilities. HUD recently announced it will distribute nearly $140 million in grants to 18 state housing agencies through its Section 811 Project Rental Assistance for Persons with Disabilities program.

Washington will receive $8 million of this funding, which will be used to create 158 new subsidized rental units, supplementing the 132 units already supported by the program. This is Washington's third grant of this type.

Melodie Pazolt, managing director of the Office of Apple Health and Homes at the Department of Commerce, emphasized that this funding will enhance the state’s ability to provide affordable housing options for adults with disabilities who might otherwise struggle to find suitable accommodations.

This funding round positions Washington among the top recipients, alongside California and Oregon, each receiving the same amount. Thanks to this funding, residents who qualify will have more options.

The Section 811 program promotes independent living for adults with disabilities by offering rental assistance and supportive services. The grants enable housing agencies to refer eligible tenants to new or renovated multifamily properties where they can receive both housing and additional support. Julia Gordon, HUD’s assistant secretary for housing and federal housing commissioner, highlighted that the program addresses significant barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in securing stable and accessible housing.

In Washington, there are currently 17 properties that accept Section 811 rental subsidies. The Department of Commerce collaborates with the Department of Social and Health Services and the Health Care Authority to identify eligible residents.

To qualify, a household must include at least one person aged 18 to 61 with a disability who receives or is eligible for Medicaid and meets specific income requirements. For instance, in King County, an individual must earn no more than $31,650 to qualify.

Additionally, individuals receiving this rental assistance are connected with support services, further aiding their transition to independent living. Eligible properties for Section 811 funding must be new or existing, partially funded by state or federal programs such as Washington’s Housing Trust Fund or Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and contain at least five units.

However, no more than 25% of these units can be designated for any Section 811 funding or used to house people with disabilities. The goal of the Section 811 program is not just to provide subsidies but to expand the overall inventory of housing options available to individuals with disabilities, thus enhancing their ability to live independently.

According to Commerce, the department plans to issue a notice of funding announcement to interested landlords and housing operators once the contract with the federal government is finalized. This process will ensure that new units and properties are adequately prepared to meet the needs of the target population.

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