HUD Grants $212 Million for Disability Housing Access

Author: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Published: 11 Oct 2023 - Updated: 1 Sep 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Announcement

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This announcement details the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) allocation of $212 million to enhance affordable housing and supportive services for very-low and extremely-low-income individuals with disabilities. The funding, available through the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program, is divided equally between the Capital Advance program and Project Rental Assistance (PRA). The Capital Advance program provides funds for developing new or rehabilitating existing supportive housing, along with rental subsidies to ensure long-term affordability. The PRA offers project rental assistance to state housing agencies, bridging the gap between tenant contributions and approved rents, thereby facilitating independent living within integrated communities.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Section 811 helps eligible tenants live independently within integrated communities. It bridges the gap between tenant payments and HUD-approved rents.
• 2 - The Capital Advance program dedicates $106 million to build new or rehabilitate existing supportive housing. It pairs construction funds with subsidies that preserve affordability.
• 3 - Capital Advance funding maintains affordability through a Project Rental Assistance Contract lasting at least forty years. It serves residents aged 18 to under 62 at entry.
• 4 - Project Rental Assistance directs $106 million toward state-level collaborations between housing and Medicaid agencies. It targets extremely-low-income residents earning 30 percent or less of area median income.

Topic Definition

Section 811 Supportive Housing

The Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program is a federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that funds affordable, accessible rental homes for very-low and extremely-low-income adults living with disabilities. It works through two coordinated tracks: capital advances that finance the development or rehabilitation of permanent supportive housing, and project rental assistance that covers the difference between what a tenant can pay and the approved rent. Rather than isolating residents, the program is built around integrated community living, connecting people to the supportive services they choose so they can live with greater independence and dignity. State housing agencies, often partnering with health and Medicaid agencies, play a central role in delivering these units and keeping them affordable over the long term.

Section 811 Capital Advance Program: Section 811 allows persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community by subsidizing rental housing which provides access to appropriate supportive services. The Section 811 Capital Advance Program aims to expand the supply of integrated affordable housing by providing Capital Advance funding for the development of permanent supportive rental housing for very-low-income (those earning 50 percent or less of the area median income) with disabilities who are 18 years of age or older and less than 62 years of age at entry. The program also provides project rental subsidies in the form of a Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) to maintain ongoing affordability over at least the next forty years.

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA): The primary purpose of the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program is to identify, stimulate, and support innovative state-level strategies that will transform and increase housing for extremely low-income persons (those earning 30 percent or less of area median income) with disabilities while also making available appropriate support and services. HUD is seeking to support collaborations between State Housing and Health and Human Service/Medicaid Agencies that will result in or will increase access to affordable permanent supportive housing units - new and existing - with access to appropriate services.

Overview

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Multifamily Housing announces that $212 million in funding is available to expand the supply of affordable housing and supportive services for very-low and extremely-low-income persons with disabilities. The funding is available to participants in the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program, which helps develop, subsidize, and provide supportive services for rental housing to meet the needs of this vulnerable population.

"Every American should have the ability to live in affordable housing that caters to their needs. Unfortunately, today, far too many housing options are inaccessible to those with disabilities - and those with the appropriate accommodations are often too expensive," said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge.

"This announcement delivers serious progress, making $212 million available to expand housing supply and supportive services for low-income folks with disabilities."

Through the Section 811 Capital Advance/Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) program, $106 million in capital advances can be used for the development of new or rehabilitation of existing supportive housing, along with project rental subsidies to keep homes affordable.

The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) provides $106 million to state housing and other agencies for project rental assistance to cover the difference between the tenants' contributions toward rental payments and the HUD-approved rent for the property for eligible tenants with disabilities.

"The goal is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity and independently within an integrated community that provides them with access to appropriate supportive services that they choose," said Ethan Handelman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs.

"This funding is a small but important part of HUD's overall commitment to meeting the housing needs of all communities."

For more information, read the funding notices for the Section 811 Capital Advance Program and Section 811 Project Rental Assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Who qualifies for Section 811 supportive housing

Section 811 serves adults with disabilities who have very-low or extremely-low incomes, generally earning 50 percent or less of the area median income for Capital Advance units and 30 percent or less for Project Rental Assistance units.

How do people apply for Section 811 housing

Individuals do not apply to HUD directly for funding but instead contact participating state housing agencies or the property owners and managers who receive Section 811 awards to ask about available units and waiting lists.

Is Section 811 the same as Section 8 housing

No, Section 811 is a distinct program focused specifically on permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, while Section 8 is a broader rental assistance program for low-income households of all types.

What supportive services are connected to Section 811 housing

The program links residents to voluntary services they choose, which can include help with daily living, health care coordination, and community integration, often delivered through partnerships with health and Medicaid agencies.

How long does Section 811 affordability last

Capital Advance developments maintain affordability through a Project Rental Assistance Contract that lasts at least forty years, ensuring the housing remains available to eligible residents over the long term.

Does Section 811 housing allow independent living

Yes, the program is designed so residents can live as independently as possible within integrated communities rather than segregated settings, with access to services that support daily life.

What is the difference between Capital Advance and Project Rental Assistance

Capital Advance provides upfront funds to develop or rehabilitate supportive housing along with rental subsidies, while Project Rental Assistance gives state agencies money to cover the gap between tenant payments and approved rents in existing or new units.

Are there age limits for Section 811 Capital Advance housing

Yes, the Capital Advance program serves people with disabilities who are 18 years of age or older and younger than 62 at the time of entry into the housing.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: This significant investment underscores a commitment to addressing the housing needs of individuals with disabilities, promoting both accessibility and affordability. By expanding the supply of supportive housing and offering rental assistance, HUD aims to empower this vulnerable population to live independently and with dignity. Such initiatives are crucial steps toward inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.*

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and published on 11 Oct 2023, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.