New Law Increases Program Funding for the Disabled
WASHINGTON, DC – December 22, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Charles B. Rangel joined a bipartisan majority Tuesday in passing legislation that will improve a federal housing program for those with disabilities.
“No person or community can hope to reach their full potential when they spend each day wondering whether they can afford the roof over their head,” said Rangel after the bill sailed through the House by voice vote. “In these rough economic times, it is both morally and economically right to make sure that everyone has the resources to help themselves and their neighbors.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities has been a critical and affordable housing resource, developing permanent supportive housing for non-elderly people with severe disabilities.
Housing advocates believe that the innovative 811 demonstration program, which would promote integrated housing opportunities for people with disabilities, could create as many as 3,500-5,000 or more new affordable and accessible units every year without increasing Section 811 appropriations.
Moreover, Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009 (S 1481) would simplify the application process for those looking to create more units. It will also create a demonstration program to allow for investment of new capital resources from programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and HUD?s HOME Investment Partnership Program in supportive housing developments.
The bill, which passed the Senate this past weekend, now heads to President Barack Obama’s desk for signature.
Added Rangel: “The disabled are far from being a strain or a burden. They just need an opportunity to succeed and these supportive programs help do that.”
