OHFA Receives $8 Million to Create Additional Housing for Ohioans with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 29, 2024
Media Contact: Penny Martin
Phone: 614.728.2911
Email: [email protected]

COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), on behalf of the state of Ohio, was awarded $8 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide affordable housing for eligible Ohioans with disabilities. The funding is provided by HUD's Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) for Persons with Disabilities program. OHFA was one of 18 state housing agencies to receive funding.

"Accessible, affordable housing allows Ohioans with disabilities to live independently, with a strong quality of life. This additional funding will help us address the program's waiting list, allowing 188 additional residents to secure affordable rental housing in a community-based setting," said Shawn Smith, executive director of OHFA.

The Ohio 811 PRA program is administered by OHFA in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). It allows extremely low-income households composed of one or more adults with a disability to live in an integrated setting with access to rental subsidy and supportive services.

Currently, OHFA has partnered with 91 affordable rental properties in 37 counties, committing more than 620 811 PRA units across the state. With more than 900 active applicants for the program, this new 811 PRA award from HUD will help to meet the demand for integrated, affordable housing opportunities.

The Ohio 811 Program has a referral network, administered by the program partners, which identifies eligible individuals ready to move in and matches them with participating properties. Affordable rental properties participating in the program have received funding through OHFA.

An individual must be connected to a referral agent to be placed on the waiting list. Referral agents include Medicaid case managers and transition coordinators, county boards of developmental disabilities and county boards of mental health. Many county boards serve as referral agents; however, participation is voluntary.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency is an Equal Opportunity Housing entity. Loans are available on a fair and equal basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability or ancestry. Please visit www.ohiohome.org for more information.

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