Special Needs Housing: Housing for Persons with Special Needs

Recognizes programs, other than those focused primarily on combating homelessness, that best provide affordable housing and services for persons with special needs.

Note: Individual developments are not eligible for an award.

Judging Criteria

Special Needs Housing entries will be judged on the degree to which they:

  • Are innovative
  • Are replicable
  • Respond to an important state housing need
  • Demonstrate measurable benefits to HFA targeted customers
  • Have a proven track record of success in the marketplace
  • Provide benefits that outweigh costs
  • Demonstrate effective use of resources
  • Effectively employ partnerships
  • Achieve strategic objectives

If you have questions, please email awards@ncsha.org or call 202-624-7710.

2014 Winner

Kentucky Housing Corporation (Winner)

2014 Entries

Iowa Finance Authority:
"IowaHousingSearch.org"

The Iowa Finance Authority contracted with Socialserve.com in 2014 to develop IowaHousingSearch.org, a free statewide rental housing locator with detailed and up-to-date unit information including more than forty accessibility feature fields.

Kentucky Housing Corporation (Winner):
"Scholar House Program"

Aimed toward single parents who want to earn a post-secondary degree in an area of their choosing, the Scholar House Program is an educational program with a housing and child care component.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development:
"The Weinberg Partnership"

MDHCD launched a landmark partnership with the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the country, on behalf of some of the state’s most vulnerable residents – very low income persons with disabilities.

New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency:
 "Special Needs Housing Partnership Loan Program (SNHPLP)"

The Special Needs Housing Partnership Loan Program (SNHPLP), aimed at creating permanent affordable, supportive housing for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency:
"Capital Improvement Program"

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) entered into a dynamic partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (ODMHAS) to create a pilot program to finance rehabilitation work for housing units designated for Ohioans disabled with persistent mental illness.

Virginia Housing Development Authority:
"VHDA Accessibility Modification Grant Program"

Past Entries