Pennsylvania Awarded $5.7 Million for Rental Assistance to Help Low-Income People with Disabilities

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Public Welfare and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will use $5.7 million in federal rental assistance to make some accessible housing more affordable for 200 low-income individuals with disabilities.

"Pennsylvania was one of 13 states selected to receive this rental assistance money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, reflecting the state's proven history to help people with disabilities live independent lives," Acting Secretary Beverly Mackereth said. "This effort will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and reduce health care costs by giving the individuals the option of living in their own community instead of living in a long-term care facility."

The Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency and the welfare department will create the new housing opportunities by using the same successful methods developed through PHFA's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and other affordable housing projects administered by both agencies.

The accessible, affordable housing will support three groups of individuals under the age of 62: persons with disabilities who are institutionalized; those at risk of institutionalization, and those currently living in a congregate setting who desire to move into the community.

"Part of the reason that Pennsylvania was awarded this funding was due to our history of productive collaboration between our two agencies benefiting the state's residents," PHFA Executive Director and CEO Brian A. Hudson Sr. said "Working together, we can use this assistance from HUD to make a powerful, positive difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians with disabilities who want to live independently."

The $5.7 million for rental assistance is part of the HUD's first-ever selection of Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Project Rental Assistance Demonstration.

For more information, visit the Department of Public Welfare at www.dpw.state.pa.us or call 1-800-692-7462.  To contact the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, visit www.PHFA.org or call Holly Glauser at 717-780-3876.

Media contact:  Donna Kirker Morgan, DPW, 717-425-7606
                          Scott Elliott, PHFA, 717-780-3916

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare