Special Needs Housing: Housing for Persons with Special Needs

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority:
Neuro-inclusive Housing Initiative

In response to barriers and disparities faced by individuals living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) launched the Neuro-inclusive Housing Initiative. This ongoing effort spans the housing continuum and includes the development of educational materials, community engagement efforts, targeted investments, and the strategic incorporation of I/DD needs and considerations across CHFA’s business units.

Illinois Housing Development Authority:
Holistic Approach to Housing Illinois’ Most Vulnerable

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) believes every person, regardless of income, illness, or any other limitation, should have the freedom to choose to live as independently in settings appropriate to their personal needs and preferences. Over the last year, IHDA has taken significant steps increase the development of permanent supportive housing through a strategic, holistic approach combining federal, state, and local resources to provide housing for Illinois' most vulnerable.

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority:
Community Integration via Supportive Housing

IHCDA recognizes the need to provide supportive housing to individuals with intellectual or development disabilities and is dedicated to growing the amount of permanent, affordable housing paired with services that help people live more stable, productive lives. IHCDA has been addressing this complex issue by setting aside a certain number of tax credit awards for developments that commit to serving people with IDD by providing affordable housing in an integrated setting.

Michigan State Housing Development Authority:
Supporting Newcomers with a Rental Subsidy So They Can Make It in Michigan

Through an outreach process, MSHDA identified significant gaps in housing programs for refugees and other immigrant populations. We learned that households of newcomers typically gain employment quickly but have difficulty obtaining housing near their place of employment. Affordability was also a concern for many of the groups with whom we engaged. In addition to implementing new policies and tweaks to existing MSHDA programs, we designed a new program to address this serious need.

New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority:
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Networking Group

MFA is committed to housing persons in New Mexico with the often-debilitating diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. The HOPWA program includes guidelines that can contribute to barriers that make it difficult to help this population. The HOPWA Networking Group exists to mitigate all barriers through collaboration among HOPWA providers throughout the U.S. By sharing best practices and brainstorming innovative solutions, this group is contributing to successful experiences for this population nationwide.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency:
Housing Reduces Recidivism: A Landlord Mitigation Fund

The OHFA, Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction developed the pilot Landlord Mitigation Claim Fund, which provides landlords renting to persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses who are enrolled in the Stepping Up Initiative with insurance on rental units. Landlords may submit damage claims up to $5,000 or for up to two months’ rent if a tenant abandons the apartment prior to the end of the lease.