LMHA Gets Federal Funding To Provide Affordable Housing For Low-Income Residents With Disabilities

Photo: Louisville Metro Housing Authority

The Louisville Metro Housing Authority is among 285 local public housing authorities across the country to be awarded federal funding for vouchers to provide permanent affordable housing to low-income residents with disabilities.

Louisville will receive $707,134 from the HUD 2018 Mainstream Voucher program, which will provide 107 vouchers annually to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings, at serious risk of institutionalization, homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

Lisa Osanka, LMHA’s interim director, said the authority will partner with Wellspring, the Center for Accessible Living and Volunteers of America Mid-States to provide referrals for non-elderly people with disabilities and assist with a timely transition to a unit, and access to supportive services and supports.

Non-elderly persons with disabilities also will be allowed to apply directly to the program without going through a partner agency.

“This funding will provide disabled persons more options to rent affordable housing on the private market in neighborhoods all around our community,” Osanka said.

“This is good news for LMHA and good news for our city,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Affordable housing is vital for an individual to reach financial stability, raise a family and reach their full human potential. That’s why my administration, over the last four budget cycles, has invested over $40 million in affordable housing. This targeted federal assistance will help us continue to move the needle.”

“Access to affordable housing has the power to change lives, not just by providing individuals and families with a roof over their heads and a place to call home, but also giving them peace of mind and a foundation to build the rest of their lives upon,” said U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth. “I’m glad this important federal investment is coming here to help Louisvillians in need.”

In its announcement of the awards, HUD said a total of $98.5 million would go to public housing authorities across the nation through its Section 811 Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program.

“HUD is committed to making sure people with disabilities have a decent, safe and affordable place to call home,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “Working closely with our local partners, we help residents with disabilities live independently and fully enjoy the use of their homes.”

This program helps to further the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act by helping persons with disabilities live in the most integrated setting, according to the HUD announcement. The program also encourages partnerships with health and human service agencies with a demonstrated capacity to coordinate voluntary services and supports to enable individuals to live independently in the community.