Delaware State Housing Authority Director (DSHA) Anas Ben Addi was joined today by Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent, and Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Rita Landgraf to celebrate Delaware’s award of $5.1 million to create and sustain 170 units of affordable housing over five years for persons with disabilities through the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Demonstration Program.  This federal program, funded through HUD and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, enables people with disabilities who have extremely low incomes to live in integrated mainstream settings.  DSHA and DHSS are working closely together to identify persons with disabilities who require long-term services and support to live independently in the community.

“People with disabilities are facing disproportionate housing and employment challenges,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “It’s important to them, and important to us, to give these individuals the opportunity to live independently with safe, secure, long-term housing and appropriate support services so they can be successful.”

“Providing basic needs like safe, affordable housing to those who desperately need it is a moral imperative,” remarked U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “This grant award will help Delawareans have a place to call their own and is one important step to those folks achieving independence.”

“In a state of neighbors, it’s up to all of us to ensure that all Delawareans have a roof over their heads and a safe place to sleep at night,” Senator Coons stated. “Unfortunately, there are still too many Delawareans who struggle to afford a place to call ‘home.’ I applaud the work of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Delaware State Housing Authority in securing this funding to help Delawareans with disabilities live safely and independently.”

“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” commented Congressman Carney.  “The funding announced today will provide that for Delawareans who have disabilities and need long-term support.  This is an investment that benefits individuals and their families, and strengthens the entire community.  I look forward to visiting some of the new residents once they’ve settled in.”

“HUD is pleased to support the First State in its efforts to offer real and lasting solutions for persons who might otherwise be institutionalized or living on our streets,” said Jane C.W. Vincent, HUD’s Regional Administrator of the Mid-Atlantic region. “These funds will provide a significant increase in the inventory of permanent, supportive housing, and also enable us to identify innovative and replicable ways to better serve very low-income people with disabilities.”

Building on the existing DSHA/DHSS partnership developed in recent years as part of the state-funded State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), the Section 811 PRA Demo Program will leverage the successes of the SRAP and contribute significantly to the State’s ongoing efforts to develop a continuum of community-based housing choices as part of a system of long-term care that prioritizes living and providing services in the community.

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi said, “With the achievements of SRAP, incorporating the 811 program seemed natural to us.  We are pleased the federal agencies have confidence in our abilities, and we are looking forward to expanding the number of people and families we are able serve.”

“This federal funding allows the state to help more individuals with disabilities to live in the community,” noted DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf. “A home provides that critical foundation for people with disabilities to be included in all aspects of community life.”

The 811 program is anticipated to assist 170 individuals and very low-income families with housing and community-based services each year for five years. DHSS case managers will identify eligible applicants and coordinate their care and services while DSHA manages the housing subsidy. This includes ensuring the homes are safe through initial and yearly inspections and processing the rental assistance.  Approved clients will contribute a portion of their monthly income toward their housing expenses.

For additional information about eligibility requirements and other affordable housing programs, programs, please call (888) 363-8808.

About the Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own, and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call: (888) 363-8808 or visit our website at: www.destatehousing.com.

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