Millions of people with disabilities housing assistance on the road

Nearly 98 million $ in rent assistance is directed to States to help thousands of people with disabilities to live in the community.

Federal money should fund 3,530 units in 13 States for people who need long-term services and support to live independently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said this week.

Housing within States agencies now work with Medicaid and the health and Social Services officials to identify individuals very low-income disabled who need rent assistance. Federal officials say they expect many people receiving new funds be transition out of institutions.

"Our nation is stronger when all our citizens are able to participate fully and contribute," said Secretary of health and Services, Kathleen Sebelius. "This unique collaboration of federal agencies and States will allow thousands of Americans with disabilities lead productive and meaningful lives in their communities."

Rental assistance funds have been available to HUD section 811 project rental demonstration Assistance program, which was created through an act of 2010 to create options for community housing for people with disabilities.

Thirty-five registered to participate in the housing agencies to state the first distribution of money from the demonstration program, in addressing the high demand for housing assistance, according to officials at the Technical Assistance Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on the promotion of housing and community support for persons with disabilities services.

Funds are directed to the California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.