Washington state is set to receive a significant funding boost aimed at subsidizing rent for adults living with disabilities, thanks to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The state will be awarded $8 million as part of a nationwide initiative that distributes nearly $140 million in grants to 18 state housing agencies through the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance for Persons with Disabilities program.
This funding places Washington among the highest recipients in this round of grants, alongside California and Oregon, which also received $8 million each. The financial support is designed to enable housing agencies to refer eligible tenants to housing options while providing them with essential rental assistance and supportive services.
The $8 million allocated for Washington will help fund 158 new subsidized rental units, complementing the existing 132 units already supported by this program. This marks the third grant of its kind that the state has received, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance housing opportunities for adults with disabilities.
The Section 811 program aims to empower individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible by creating new housing opportunities in existing, new, or renovated multifamily properties. Currently, there are 17 properties throughout Washington that accept Section 811 rental subsidies, with the Washington State Department of Commerce collaborating with the Department of Social and Health Services and the Health Care Authority to identify eligible residents.
To qualify for the program, at least one member of a household must be between 18 and 61 years old, disabled, and either receiving or eligible to receive Medicaid and services from the Department of Social and Health Services. Additionally, household incomes must fall at or below 30% of the average median income for the area. For example, in King County, the income limit for a single-person household is set at $31,650.
Recipients of the rental assistance are also connected to vital support services, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive in their living environments. Eligible properties for the Section 811 program can be either new or existing and must be partially funded by state or federal programs, such as Washington’s Housing Trust Fund or the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. They must also contain at least five housing units, with no more than 25% of the units being funded by Section 811 or designated for individuals with disabilities.
According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the goal of the program is to “expand the inventory of units available to persons with disabilities and not just add subsidies to existing units with these preferences.” This funding represents a crucial step in enhancing housing accessibility and support for adults with disabilities across Washington state.
