03.15.05
Fair housing update:
HUD issues new guidelines to promote
access for families with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently
issued new guidelines to public housing authorities (PHAs) that
identify ways they can better assist individuals with disabilities
or families who have a disabled member in their search for accessible
housing under the Housing Choice Vouchers program, formerly known
as Section 8.
The
notice ( ) is
in response to President Bush's New Freedom Initiative and the
Executive Order "Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals
With Disabilities," which promotes full participation of
persons with disabilities in all areas of society. Under the
initiative and order, all government agencies are asked to take
steps to increase and promote equal access to education, technology,
employment and housing in their communities.
"We encourage housing authorities to use this guidance to
ensure these families will be given the best shot at finding
accessible
housing in communities of their choice," said HUD Assistant
Secretary Michael Liu.
The notice gives PHAs suggestions and information on how to administer
their Housing Choice Vouchers programs that will help families
with a disabled member find decent, accessible housing, including
the following:
Longer voucher term
HUD encourages PHAs to give families with
a disabled member more time to find accessible units. Currently
PHAs must give all families at least 60 days to find a unit.
A PHA may approve a longer term if necessary.
Provide
referral and housing search services
In addition to
providing a list of accessible units in the community, PHAs
are asked to provide a list of local support service organizations
that can provide additional services, such as funding for moving
expenses. PHAs may also offer specialized housing search assistance.
Form alliances
PHAs are encouraged to work with other local
government or private agencies that are accustomed to working
with this population in setting policies and sharing resources.
PHAs may set a preference for admission with families with
a disabled member. State Medicaid agencies can be a valuable
PHA
resource to assist persons with disabilities who are transitioning
out of nursing homes or other institutional settings.
For
more information about the New Freedom Initiative go to www.hhs.gov/newfreedom.
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