The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) was among the recipients of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) fourth wave of CARES Act funding to assist people living with disabilities.
The assistance – authorized under provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) – included more than $75 million to support up to 8,300 additional vouchers nationwide provided through HUD’s Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher program. The FCRHA was awarded funding authority for $435,974 or 29 additional vouchers.
The county will be considering various means by which these vouchers can be put to use in serving non-elderly persons with disabilities, particularly those who are transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings; at serious risk of institutionalization; currently experiencing homelessness; previously experienced homelessness and currently a client in a permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing project; or at risk of becoming homeless.
The awarded budget authority and number of vouchers serve as a cap. The FCRHA may only lease until it has reached the lower of the budget authority or the number of vouchers allocated. Any funding remaining after the vouchers have been leased will be allocated to the FCRHA’s Mainstream Housing Assistance Payment reserves.
HUD’s Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program helps to further the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act by helping persons with disabilities live in community-based settings. The program also encourages partnerships with health and human service agencies with a demonstrated capacity to coordinate voluntary services and supports to enable individuals to live independently in the community.