Real Estate News and Tips August 14, 2024

$16 Million Awarded to Expand Affordable Housing for People with Disabilities in Oregon and Washington

Exciting news for the Pacific Northwest! The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $16 million to expand affordable housing for people with disabilities in Oregon and Washington. This funding is part of a larger $138.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aimed at increasing housing options and supportive services for low-income individuals with disabilities across the country.

Here’s what this means for our local communities:

  • Washington is receiving $8 million, which will create 158 new housing units.
  • Oregon is also getting $8 million, allowing for the development of 153 housing units.

This initiative is part of HUD’s Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) program, which focuses on providing rental assistance and supportive services to help individuals with disabilities live more independently. It’s a significant step forward in reducing housing costs and expanding access to affordable housing, especially for those who need it most.

HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the administration’s commitment to making housing accessible, affordable, and tailored to meet the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities. The goal is to create inclusive communities where everyone can thrive with dignity and independence.

For real estate agents, this is a great opportunity to be aware of the growing availability of accessible housing in our area. As these new units become available, they will provide more options for clients with disabilities who are seeking affordable and supportive living environments.

This funding will not only increase the availability of affordable housing but also ensure that residents have access to crucial community-based support services. This holistic approach is designed to address long-term housing security and affordability, while also fostering community integration for individuals with disabilities.

HUD’s Section 811 Program is the backbone of this initiative, offering both the Project Rental Assistance (PRA) and Capital Advance programs. These programs work hand-in-hand to develop and sustain affordable housing options for extremely low- and very low-income adults with disabilities. The Capital Advance program, in particular, helps expand the supply of integrated affordable housing by funding the development of permanent supportive rental housing.

This investment is more than just a financial boost; it’s a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive housing market for everyone. As a real estate agent, staying informed about these developments can help you better serve clients with disabilities and advocate for more inclusive housing opportunities in our community.

Find your local HUD office

I do provide HUD services, feel free to reach out with any questions!