WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs – today announced new federal resources to provide rental assistance for low-income Ohioans with disabilities. Through its Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $11,991,399 to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to offer 508 households permanent and affordable rental housing, as well as supportive long-term care services through a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program help participants secure housing in integrated communities and live independently. 

“Ohioans with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live free and independent lives,” Brown said. “These federal resources will help ensure that individuals with disabilities have the financial and medical support they need to secure permanent rental housing.”

Bill Faith, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO), praised the award and highlighted the important role that federal funds play as Ohio works to meet the housing needs of persons living with disabilities.

"Thanks to the outstanding joint efforts of Ohio Housing Finance Agency, working together with our state Medicaid and mental health officials, Ohio will be able to provide 508 new permanent supportive housing units to the most vulnerable people with disabilities, said Faith. “This is a big boost to Ohio’s housing efforts, and we owe Senator Brown our thanks for his support of the Section 811 program.”

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