VHDA’s Accessibility Modification Grant Program NCSHA Annual Conference Miami, Florida Panel: Best of the HFAs—Special Needs Housing September 26, 2016

Renters Need Help with Modifications Disabled low-income renters cannot afford to make the accessibility modifications to which they are entitled under Fair Housing laws Despite substantial development of affordable and accessible rental units, finding adequate housing is often a challenge Vacancy rates for affordable, accessible units are low Rural rental units are often single-family units or mobile homes Many rental units are only partially accessible

VHDA’s Program Fills Key Funding Gaps The targeted renter population is excluded from many other sources of unit modification assistance Organizations assisting with transition to independent living often lack timely access to needed flexible funding There are significant funding gaps for environmental modifications in many communities VHDA grants also leverage other available assistance to better meet household needs

Eligibility for VHDA Assistance Program eligibility is limited to low-income renters Renters must have: a disabled household member needing unit modifications income < 80% of AMI

What VHDA’s Program Covers Grants for up to $2,800 fund modifications such as: Widened doorways Lowered countertops, accessible cabinets Installation of ramps, railings Grab bars, tub cuts, shower chairs, ADA toilets Visual smoke detectors Remote entry devices Grants may also be used to undo modifications, if required, when a unit is vacated

VHDA Partners with Approved Agents VHDA uses local agents to manage unit modification work Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through VHDA-approved agents/agencies Upon approval, VHDA issues a grant confirmation to the agent Agents contract for and monitor modification work, which must be completed within four months Agents are paid $300 to cover expenses

Varied Partnerships Support Success VHDA partners with the array of entities that assist people with disabilities to successfully transition to community living Agents include: Centers for Independent Living (CILs) Local housing agencies Community Action Agencies (CAPs) Rehabilitation hospitals Landlords

Program Outreach and Marketing VHDA’s Community Outreach Division educates partners about the program and provides agent webinar training The public is made aware of grant availability through: VHDA and partner outreach activities using VHDA-provided information and promotional materials On-line rental housing search sites VirginiaHousingSearch.com and AccessVA.org A dedicated page on VHDA.com

Program Outcomes The program is funded through VHDA’s “REACH” initiative, which uses agency net revenues to fund subsidy support to address high priority state housing needs Through mid-2016, nearly $1.2 million in program grants have assisted 781 disabled renters in paying for needed modifications

Contact Information Information about the Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM) program is available from: Donna M. Stallings RUAM Program Administrator Phone: 804-343-5937 donna.stallings@vhda.com