The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) last week announced that it would disperse $131.3 million to local public housing authorities across the country to provide affordable housing to non-elderly people with disabilities. The plan was unveiled during HUD Secretary Ben Carson’s trip to Detroit, where his agency gave $597,629 to the housing commission of his hometown.
“At HUD, we’re committed to ensuring people with disabilities have a decent, safe and affordable place to live,” Carson said in a statement. “The funding announced today allows our local partners to continue helping residents with disabilities live independently.”
California, Florida and Texas, respectively, will receive the most federal funding for housing assistance. California, which is the state with the most people experiencing homelessness, according to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, will get more than $16 million. Florida will get more than $13 million, and Texas will get more than $11 million. How the money will be distributed will be decided by individual field offices.
The Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program is responsible for funding this initiative. This wing of HUD is responsible for providing opportunities for people with disabilities who are not elderly and promoting the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is also responsible for assisting people with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutions or other secluded settings in an effort to prevent homelessness and promote independent living in the community.
Related Article: New York City to Direct Workers to Call 311 to Document Street Homelessness and Request Services
Homelessness is an epidemic among people with disabilities. They made up 24% of adults experiencing homelessness in the U.S. in 2018, according to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Related Article: AOC Pushes Fair Chance at Housing Act
Related Article: Ben Carson Says He’s Leaving HUD After 2020 Election
