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About
DD Education Residential/Housing Employment SSI Guardianship Criminal Justice |
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Contact
Us: Suite D-1 Greenwood
Village, CO 80111 |
Residential/Housing
Adults who have a developmental
disability may be eligible to receive residential supports and services
through the Colorado state system for developmental disabilities. For those
who are eligible, the State, through local Community Centered Boards, provides
homes and residential funding and support through its Comprehensive Services
Program. However, not all adults with a developmental disability will be
eligible for the Comprehensive Services Program. Other community services
and supports are available to assist adults with developmental disabilities
in obtaining housing.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND HOMEOWNERSHIP
What is the Section 8 Voucher Program?
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the
Section 8 Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for
assisting very-low income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities
to afford housing in the private market. Local Public Housing Agencies
(PHAs) receive federal funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development to administer the voucher program. An individual that is issued
a voucher may find a suitable housing unit of his/her choice so long as
the owner agrees to rent under the program. A housing subsidy is paid
to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating individual.
The individual then pays the difference between the actual rent charged
by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Typically, the
individual is responsible for paying 30% of his/her income as rent.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Section 8 voucher is determined by the PHA and is
based on the individual's total annual gross income. The majority of Colorado
PHAs use a lottery or waiting list system to administer the voucher programs.
Once an individual's application is chosen, the PHA will conduct an interview.
At the interview stage, the applicant must provide the PHA with proper
documentation, such as proof of family composition, household income verification,
past and present landlord references, and a current Colorado Bureau of
Investigation record report. If the applicant is unable to provide all
the necessary documentation, the PHA may decline the application.
What is Public Housing?
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, public
housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for
eligible low-income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
Public housing comes in all sizes and types, including single- family
houses and high-rise apartments. The US Department of Housing and Urban
Development administers funding to local PHAs to manage the public housing
units for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
Eligibility
Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. According
to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, a PHA determines
eligibility based on: (1) the individual's annual gross income, (2) whether
the individual qualifies as elderly, a person with a disability, or a
family, and (3) US citizenship or eligible immigration status. The application
process for public housing is similar to the Section 8 Voucher Program.
Both require a completed application, proper documentation, and an interview.
Supported Housing and Homeless Programs For More Information
To learn more about the Section 8 Voucher Program, Public Housing, or
to view housing resource publications, contact:
US Department of Housing and Urban Development: www.hud.gov
451 7th Street, S.W.
Washington DC 20410
(202) 708-1112
To find a Public Housing Agency nearest you or to view local income limits and fair market rents, contact:
Colorado Office:
www.hud.gov/local/den
633 17th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 672-5440
To learn more about the Supported Housing and Homeless Programs, contact:
Supported Housing and Homeless Programs: www.cdhs.state.co.us/ohr/shhp
Colorado Department of Human Services
4131 South Julian Way
Denver, Colorado 80236
(303) 866-7350
What is the Section 8 Homeownership Program?
The Section 8 Homeownership Program allows eligible individuals and families to use their Section 8 Vouchers toward the purchase of a home.
Eligibility
According to the Supported Housing and Homeless Programs, an individual may be eligible for the Section 8 Homeownership Program if he/she has received Section 8 assistance for at least one year, is in good standing, and is receiving Section 8 assistance through a participating PHA. Further, the individual must also be able to contribute either 5% of his/her assets or $800 toward a down payment and must attend a homeownership counseling education class.
What Financial Assistance is Available for Individuals with Disabilities?
With the assistance of the Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation and participating lenders across Colorado, individuals with developmental disabilities may be eligible for low interest rate loans or financial assistance for down payment and closing costs. To qualify for these programs, the individual's gross annual income and the potential home price must not exceed certain limitations. The participating lenders across Colorado are: (1) Citywide Bank, (2) Commercial Federal, (3) US Bank, and (4) Wells Fargo. Each program is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. If an individual is interested in these programs, he/she must first attend the Homeownership Education class.
Homeownership Education Class
The first step for anyone interested in purchasing a home should be to attend a "First-time Homebuyer's Education" class. Free classes are offered throughout the state and are required for the Section 8 Homeownership Program and other financial assistance programs. The class is offered to individuals with and without disabilities and explains the steps to homeownership with great detail. It also addresses the importance of budgeting, credit issues, homeowner's insurance, home maintenance, and future costs.
HERO Alliance
The HERO (Homeownership Education and Resource Opportunities) Alliance is a collaborative effort comprised of non-profit organizations, lenders, and state and federal agencies dedicated to make homeownership a reality for individuals with disabilities. The HERO Alliance does not offer homeownership funding or homeownership programs. Its mission is to provide homeownership education and resources to a wide range of Colorado citizens, social service agencies, and community leaders. The HERO Alliance meets monthly to discuss ways to raise awareness, increase education, provide additional financial resources, and develop additions programs to assist individuals, families, and advocates.
For More Information
To learn more about the Section 8 Homeownership Program, contact:
The Colorado Division of Housing:
www.state.co.us/doh
1313 South Julian Way
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 866-2033Supported Housing and Homeless Programs:
www.cdhs.state.co.us/ohr/shhp
4131 South Julian Way
Denver, Colorado 80236
(303) 866-7350
To learn more about financial assistance and the Homeownership Education Class, contact:
Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation www.coloradohousingassistance.org
670 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, Colorado 80204
(303) 572-9445Colorado Housing and Finance Authority:
www.colohfa.org
1981 Blake Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 297-2432
To learn more about the HERO Alliance, contact:
The HERO Alliance:
www.heroalliance.org
11177 W. 8th Avenue
Suite 300
Lakewood, Colorado 80215
(720) 941-8901
1-888-401-HERO (4376)
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