Section 811 housing represents a vital federal program that transforms lives by providing affordable, accessible housing opportunities for extremely low-income adults with disabilities. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this program bridges the critical gap between disability support services and safe, stable housing that many Americans with disabilities desperately need.

The program operates through two primary mechanisms: capital advances for nonprofit organizations to develop accessible housing units, and rental assistance that helps individuals with disabilities access privately-owned housing in their communities. This dual approach ensures that people with disabilities have both specialized housing developments and integrated community living options, promoting independence while maintaining necessary support systems.

Section 811 housing serves adults between 18 and 61 years old who have physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities and earn less than 30% of the area median income. Unlike traditional housing assistance programs, Section 811 specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities, including the need for accessible design features, proximity to supportive services, and coordination with disability service providers.

The program’s impact extends far beyond simply providing shelter. By combining affordable housing with voluntary supportive services, Section 811 housing enables participants to live independently in their communities rather than in institutional settings. This community-based approach has proven more cost-effective than institutional care while significantly improving quality of life for participants.

For individuals with disabilities seeking housing stability, families supporting disabled loved ones, and service providers working in disability advocacy, understanding Section 811 housing options can open doors to transformative opportunities. The program continues to evolve, expanding partnerships with state agencies and healthcare providers to create comprehensive support systems that address both housing and service needs in local communities.

Section 811 Housing Resource Directory

Federal Program Administration

HUD Section 811 Portal – Official HUD portal providing program descriptions, eligibility requirements, and application information for the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program.

HUD Exchange Section 811 Resources – Technical assistance hub offering training materials, program guides, and implementation resources for Section 811 housing developers and administrators.

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program – Dedicated resource center for the PRA demonstration program providing state partnership guidance, success stories, and technical assistance materials.

HUD Section 811 Program Description – Detailed program overview explaining capital advance and rental assistance components of the Section 811 program.

HUD Section 811 Capital Advance NOFA – Annual funding opportunity announcements for Section 811 capital advance grants to nonprofit housing developers.

Section 811 Evaluation Reports – Research studies and evaluation reports assessing the implementation and effectiveness of Section 811 programs across participating states.

National Advocacy Organizations

National Council on Independent Living – Leading cross-disability grassroots organization advocating for independent living rights and community-based housing options for people with disabilities.

National ADAPT – Disability rights activist organization organizing direct action campaigns for accessible affordable housing and community living supports.

National Low Income Housing Coalition – Advocacy organization dedicated to ending the affordable housing crisis with specialized focus on housing needs of people with disabilities.

The Arc – National organization promoting and protecting human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including housing advocacy and support services.

United Spinal Association – Membership organization providing disability rights advocacy, veterans services, and resources for accessible housing and community living.

Technical Assistance Collaborative – National nonprofit providing policy leadership and technical assistance to expand integrated supportive housing for people with disabilities.

Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities – National coalition of disability organizations working on federal policy issues including housing and community living supports.

Legal Resources and Rights Information

ADA National Network – Information, guidance, and training on Americans with Disabilities Act requirements including housing accessibility and reasonable accommodations.

U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information – Official DOJ resource for ADA compliance requirements and disability rights protections in housing and public accommodations.

Fair Housing Act Resources – HUD’s fair housing enforcement information addressing disability discrimination in housing and reasonable accommodation requirements.

National Council on Disability – Independent federal agency providing policy recommendations and resources on disability rights and community integration.

Research and Data Resources

Priced Out Housing Data – Interactive database showing housing affordability crisis for people with disabilities living on Supplemental Security Income across U.S. markets.

NLIHC Research Publications – Data reports and policy analysis on affordable housing needs including specialized reports on disability housing challenges.

HUD USER Section 811 Evaluation – Evidence-based research on Section 811 program outcomes and best practices for supportive housing implementation.

Training and Technical Assistance

HUD Exchange Section 811 Training – Online training courses covering Section 811 PRA program implementation, reasonable accommodations, and partnership development.

ADA Coordinator Training Network – Regional ADA centers providing training on accessibility requirements and disability rights in housing and community settings.

TAC Resources Library – Collection of policy papers, implementation guides, and best practice resources for supportive housing development.

State Program Examples

California Section 811 PRA – State housing agency implementation of Section 811 rental assistance with Medicaid partnership for community integration.

Texas Section 811 Program – Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administration of Section 811 PRA in partnership with health and human services.

Georgia HUD 811 Program – Georgia Department of Community Affairs implementation providing rental assistance and supportive services for people with disabilities.

Independent Living Centers

Independent Living Centers Directory – National directory of Centers for Independent Living providing housing assistance, advocacy, and support services in local communities.

Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living – Network of rural independent living centers addressing housing challenges in underserved geographic areas.

Supportive Services Organizations

National Alliance on Mental Illness – Mental health advocacy organization providing resources on housing supports and community-based services for people with mental health conditions.

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors – Technical assistance organization supporting state mental health agencies in housing and community integration initiatives.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Federal agency providing grants and guidance for supportive housing programs serving people with behavioral health conditions.

Housing Development Resources

National Housing Law Project – Legal advocacy organization providing guidance on affordable housing development and tenant rights for people with disabilities.

Corporation for Supportive Housing – National nonprofit providing financing, technical assistance, and policy support for supportive housing development.

National Housing Trust – Organization focused on preserving and expanding affordable housing including accessible units for people with disabilities.

Enterprise Community Partners – Community development financial institution supporting affordable housing development with accessibility and supportive service components.

Medicaid and Healthcare Integration

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Federal agency administering Medicaid home and community-based services that coordinate with Section 811 housing programs.

National Association of Medicaid Directors – Organization supporting state Medicaid agencies in developing housing and health integration strategies.

Money Follows the Person – Federal program helping people transition from institutions to community-based housing with coordinated services.

Funding and Finance Resources

National Housing Trust Fund – Federal program providing grants to states for extremely low-income housing development including units for people with disabilities.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit – Federal tax credit program financing affordable housing development with accessibility requirements.

USDA Rural Development Housing – Rural housing assistance programs including specialized options for people with disabilities in underserved areas.

Veterans Resources

HUD-VASH Program – Housing voucher program specifically for homeless veterans with disabilities combining rental assistance with supportive services.

Veterans Community Reintegration Centers – VA facilities providing transitional housing and support services for veterans with disabilities moving to independent community living.

Emergency and Disaster Housing

FEMA Disability Integration – Federal emergency management resources ensuring accessible housing and accommodations during disaster response and recovery.

National Disability Rights Network – Network of Protection and Advocacy agencies providing legal support for housing rights during emergencies and disasters.

Youth and Transition Services

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts – Tax-advantaged savings program helping young people with disabilities save for housing and other qualified expenses.

National Youth Transitions Database – Federal tracking system supporting housing outcomes for youth aging out of foster care with disabilities.

International and Comparative Resources

United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities – International framework establishing community living rights that inform U.S. disability housing policy development.

Inclusion International – Global advocacy network sharing best practices for community-based housing and supports for people with disabilities.

Consumer Information and Self-Advocacy

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund – Legal advocacy organization providing know-your-rights information for people with disabilities seeking accessible housing.

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered – National self-advocacy organization led by people with disabilities promoting independent living and housing choice.

National Disability Navigator Resource Collaborative – Network providing personalized assistance to people with disabilities navigating housing, healthcare, and benefit systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Section 811 housing and who qualifies for this program?
Section 811 housing is a federal HUD program that provides affordable rental housing with supportive services for extremely low-income adults with disabilities between ages 18 and 61. To qualify, applicants must have a physical, intellectual, or mental disability, earn less than 30% of area median income, and demonstrate need for supportive services to live independently in the community. The program serves individuals who might otherwise require institutional care or face homelessness without housing assistance.

How does Section 811 housing differ from other affordable housing programs?
Section 811 housing specifically targets people with disabilities and combines affordable rental assistance with voluntary supportive services, while general affordable housing programs focus solely on income eligibility. Section 811 properties must include accessibility features and coordinate with disability service providers, healthcare systems, and state Medicaid agencies. No more than 25% of units in a Section 811 property can be occupied by people with disabilities to ensure community integration rather than segregated housing.

What types of supportive services are available through Section 811 housing?
Section 811 housing connects residents with voluntary services including case management, healthcare coordination, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, life skills training, and transportation support. Services are individualized based on each person’s needs and goals, with the flexibility to increase or decrease support over time. State health and human services agencies partner with housing providers to ensure residents can access Medicaid-funded community-based services while maintaining their housing.

How can someone apply for Section 811 housing assistance?
Applications for Section 811 housing are processed through state housing agencies rather than directly through HUD, and the process varies by state. Interested individuals should contact their state housing authority or local disability service organizations for referral information. Many states require referrals from healthcare providers, case managers, or disability services agencies who can verify eligibility and service needs. Waiting lists are common due to limited availability, so early application is recommended.

What is the difference between Section 811 Capital Advance and Project Rental Assistance programs?
The Section 811 Capital Advance program provides interest-free loans to nonprofit developers to build or rehabilitate accessible housing specifically for people with disabilities, creating dedicated supportive housing properties. The Project Rental Assistance program provides rental vouchers that can be used in regular apartment complexes where a small percentage of units are set aside for people with disabilities, promoting community integration. Both programs include supportive services but use different housing models.

How much rent do tenants pay in Section 811 housing?
Section 811 housing tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent, with the program subsidy covering the remainder of the rental cost. For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income, this usually amounts to approximately $270 per month, making housing truly affordable for people with very limited incomes. Utility allowances may further reduce the tenant’s housing costs, and the rental assistance continues as long as the tenant remains eligible and chooses to participate.

Can families with children access Section 811 housing programs?
Traditional Section 811 housing serves non-elderly adults with disabilities, but some states have expanded their programs to include families where a parent has a qualifying disability. Children and spouses without disabilities can live in Section 811 housing units as household members. However, the primary tenant must be the person with disabilities who meets the program’s eligibility criteria. Families should check with their state housing agency about specific policies regarding household composition.

What happens if someone’s income increases while living in Section 811 housing?
Residents who experience income increases while in Section 811 housing undergo annual recertification to determine continued eligibility, but modest income growth typically does not result in immediate program termination. If income exceeds program limits, some residents may transition to other housing assistance programs or gradually increase their rent contribution. The goal is to support housing stability while encouraging economic advancement, with case managers helping residents plan for sustainable transitions when appropriate.

Which states currently participate in Section 811 housing programs?
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance operates in 27 states that received federal funding through HUD’s demonstration program, including California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and others. However, the traditional Section 811 Capital Advance program is available nationwide through nonprofit housing developers. States without PRA programs may still have Section 811 properties developed through capital advances, and residents can work with local independent living centers to explore available options.

How long can someone live in Section 811 housing?
Section 811 housing assistance is designed as permanent supportive housing without predetermined time limits, allowing residents to maintain their homes as long as they remain eligible and choose to participate. The program recognizes that many people with disabilities need long-term housing supports to live successfully in the community. Residents can voluntarily transition to other housing if their needs change or if they achieve greater independence, but there is no requirement to leave after a specific timeframe.