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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Contact Information
Information about the Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM) program is available from:
Donna M. Stallings
RUAM Program Administrator
Phone: