Housing Accessibility
Maine Resources
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program - A collaboration between the Maine State Housing Authority and the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Aging and Disability Services. It provides project-based rental assistance to extremely low-income individuals with disabilities, ensuring they pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent. Eligible participants are between 18 and 61 years old and qualify for long-term care services under MaineCare sections such as 18, 19, 20, 21, or 29. Priority is given to individuals transitioning from institutional settings under the Homeward Bound program.
3i Housing of Maine (3iHoME) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to creating independent, community-based living options for adults with disabilities. Their model emphasizes innovative, affordable housing integrated with smart assistive technology and support services. Located in mixed-income neighborhoods with access to transportation and amenities, 3iHoME aims to empower residents to manage their lives in supportive, accessible environments.
Permanent Supportive Housing Program (PSHP) - Offers rental assistance and supportive services to households with at least one member with a disability. Participants contribute 30% of their income toward rent, with the remainder subsidized. The program follows a Housing First model and requires referrals through Maine's Coordinated Entry System, ensuring resources are allocated to those with the highest need.
Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) - Provides transitional rental subsidies to individuals with serious mental illness, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders. Participants pay 40% of their income toward rent, with BRAP covering the rest. The program serves as a bridge to more permanent housing solutions like Section 8 and includes assistance in finding independent housing.
Accessible Home Attachment Pilot Program - Offers accessible bedroom and bathroom additions (SuitePAD units) to existing homes. It's designed for individuals with disabilities seeking to enhance their living spaces to better meet their needs.
211 Maine - A free, confidential helpline connecting individuals to a wide range of services, including housing assistance. Available 24/7, it offers information on emergency shelters, rental assistance, and other housing resources. Individuals can access support by dialing 211, texting their zip code to 898-211, or visiting the 211 Maine website.
Regional Resources
Massachusetts – Housing Resources for People with Disabilities - Offers a comprehensive overview of housing assistance programs tailored for individuals with disabilities. This includes emergency shelter access, affordable housing options like the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), and tools such as the MassAccess Housing Registry, which connects users to accessible rental units. The site also provides guidance on tenant rights, reasonable accommodations, and funding opportunities for home accessibility modifications. Additionally, it outlines supportive housing models that integrate services to promote independent living.
New Hampshire – Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program - Offers project-based rental assistance to extremely low-income, non-elderly individuals with severe mental illness. The program aims to support independent living by providing integrated housing options accompanied by voluntary, long-term supportive services tailored to individual needs.
Vermont – Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) - Provides a range of housing assistance programs, including the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program, which offers rental subsidies to eligible families and individuals. VSHA also manages initiatives like the Landlord Relief Program, incentivizing landlords to house tenants receiving rental assistance, and the Rapid Response Mobile Home Infill Program, addressing the needs of mobile home communities. Their services cater to diverse populations, including seniors, families, and individuals with special needs.
Connecticut – 2-1-1 Low Income/Subsidized Private Rental Housing - Offers a searchable database of low-income and subsidized private rental housing options across the state. The platform provides information on rental apartments available to income-eligible families, single adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Users can filter listings based on specific needs, such as accessibility features, to find suitable housing options.
National Resources
The Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) Program - Offers a valuable directory of organizations that support independent living, including Centers for Independent Living (CILs), many of which provide or connect individuals to funding for assistive technology, home modifications, and other accessibility-related services. These centers often help people with disabilities navigate available local, state, and federal resources to enhance their ability to live independently in their communities.
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities - Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this program provides funding to develop and subsidize rental housing for very low-income adults with disabilities. It also ensures access to supportive services that help individuals live independently within their communities.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) - Offers rental subsidies for low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities, allowing them to choose housing in the private market. Special Purpose Vouchers, such as Mainstream Vouchers, are specifically designated for non-elderly people with disabilities.
Public Housing and Subsidized Housing Options - Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across the country provide accessible public housing units and manage waitlists that often give priority to individuals with disabilities. Some PHAs also offer programs for home modifications to improve accessibility.
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) - Federally funded CILs are nonprofit organizations that provide housing navigation, advocacy, and independent living support. These centers help individuals with disabilities find accessible housing, understand their rights, and apply for rental assistance programs.
Fair Housing Act and ADA Protections - Federal laws like the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in housing. These laws ensure reasonable accommodations, accessible building standards, and equal access to housing opportunities.
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) - A nonprofit membership organization for federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems. It helps individuals with disabilities assert their housing rights and access fair, non-discriminatory housing.
HUD Resource Locator - Allows users to search for accessible and subsidized housing across the U.S., including units reserved for people with disabilities.