Section 811: Housing Options for Low-Income Disabled Americans
Section 811 is a vital federal housing program that provides affordable rental housing options specifically designed for low-income adults with disabilities. Created under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, this program addresses the critical housing needs of a vulnerable population through rental assistance and supportive services.
What Is Section 811 Housing?
Section 811 is a housing program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) specifically designed to expand affordable housing options for adults with disabilities. The program was established as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 with the dual purpose of increasing the supply of affordable housing and providing access to appropriate supportive services.
To qualify for Section 811 housing, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have a disability (physical, developmental, or mental health condition), and meet low-income requirements. The program typically serves those whose income is at or below 30% of the area median income, though exact eligibility varies by location. The housing units themselves are designed to accommodate various disabilities with features like wheelchair accessibility, visual aids, and other modifications necessary for independent living.
How Section 811 Works
The Section 811 program operates through two primary funding mechanisms. The first is the Capital Advance Program, which provides interest-free capital advances to nonprofit organizations to develop rental housing for very low-income adults with disabilities. These advances do not need to be repaid as long as the housing remains available for very low-income persons with disabilities for at least 40 years.
The second mechanism is Project Rental Assistance, which provides funding to state housing agencies to cover the difference between the rent contribution from the tenant and the approved rent for the unit. Tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the Section 811 subsidy covering the remainder. This structure ensures housing remains affordable regardless of limited income.
Supportive services are a crucial component of Section 811 housing. These services may include case management, mental health services, assistance with activities of daily living, transportation assistance, and employment support. The goal is to help residents maintain their independence while providing the support needed for successful community integration.
Provider Comparison for Section 811 Housing
When exploring Section 811 housing options, it's important to understand the different providers and management approaches available. Below is a comparison of some major organizations involved in Section 811 housing:
| Provider | Services Offered | Application Process | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy Housing | Integrated supportive services, health programs | Online and paper applications | Resident services coordinators on-site |
| Enterprise Community Partners | Housing plus healthcare coordination | Partner referral system | Strong community integration focus |
| National Center for Healthy Housing | Health-focused housing design | Housing authority referrals | Emphasis on healthy living environments |
| Corporation for Supportive Housing | Comprehensive case management | Coordinated entry system | Strong mental health support services |
Each provider brings different strengths to Section 811 housing. The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law recommends researching multiple providers, as service quality and availability can vary significantly. Waiting lists are common across all providers, so applying to multiple properties may increase your chances of placement.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Section 811
Benefits of Section 811 Housing:
- Affordable rent capped at 30% of adjusted income
- Integrated supportive services tailored to residents' needs
- Housing designed specifically for accessibility
- Community-based living that prevents institutionalization
- Long-term housing stability
According to Technical Assistance Collaborative, residents in Section 811 housing report significantly higher quality of life and community integration compared to those in institutional settings.
Drawbacks and Challenges:
- Limited availability with long waiting lists in most areas
- Complex application process requiring documentation of disability and income
- Varying quality of supportive services between properties
- Potential isolation if not well-integrated with broader community
- Funding limitations affecting program expansion
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that demand for Section 811 housing significantly exceeds supply, with many eligible individuals waiting years for placement.
Navigating the Application Process
Applying for Section 811 housing requires preparation and patience. The process typically begins by contacting your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) or directly reaching out to Section 811 properties in your area. HUD User provides a searchable database of Section 811 properties nationwide.
Required documentation typically includes:
- Proof of disability (medical documentation or verification from a qualified professional)
- Income verification (tax returns, benefit award letters, pay stubs)
- Identification documents
- Rental history
- References
Due to high demand, many applicants are placed on waiting lists. Disability.gov recommends applying to multiple properties to increase your chances and working with a housing counselor who specializes in disability housing to navigate the process. Some properties give preference to individuals transitioning from institutional settings or those at risk of institutionalization, which may affect waiting list position.
While waiting, maintaining current contact information with all properties is essential, as missing a notification could result in removal from the waiting list. Many applicants also explore other housing assistance programs simultaneously, such as Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) or state-specific disability housing programs that might have shorter waiting periods.
Conclusion
Section 811 remains a crucial resource for adults with disabilities seeking affordable, accessible housing with supportive services. Despite challenges like limited availability and waiting lists, the program provides a pathway to independent living that might otherwise be unattainable for many low-income individuals with disabilities. For those navigating housing insecurity with a disability, understanding the application process and connecting with local advocacy organizations can improve chances of securing this valuable housing resource. As National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities emphasizes, housing stability is often the foundation upon which other aspects of independent living are built, making Section 811 an essential component of disability support systems in America.
Citations
- https://www.hud.gov
- https://www.mercy-housing.org
- https://www.enterprisecommunity.org
- https://www.nchh.org
- https://www.csh.org
- https://www.bazelon.org
- https://www.tacinc.org
- https://www.cbpp.org
- https://www.huduser.gov
- https://www.disability.gov
- https://www.nacdd.org
This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.