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An Advocate’s Guide to Advancing Disability-Forward Housing through Qualified Allocation Plans

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the primary driver of affordable housing, lacks federal requirements for deeply affordable, accessible units or inclusive housing with supportive services. State housing agencies shape LIHTC distribution through their Qualified Allocation Plans (QAPs). The Kelsey’s, “An Advocate’s Guide to Advancing Disability-Forward Housing through Qualified Allocation Plans” equips advocates with concrete policy changes that expand housing inclusion for people with disabilities and strategies to influence their state’s QAP during the public comment process.

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An Advocate’s Guide to Advancing Disability-Forward Housing through Qualified Allocation Plans

Learn Center Resource

Executive Summary

In 2022, over 70 million adults in the U.S. reported having a disability, yet less than 5% of the national housing supply is accessible, and less than 1% of housing is wheelchair-accessible. The nation’s severe shortage of accessible housing is one of the primary reasons disabled people are at higher risk of experiencing poverty, housing instability, homelessness, and institutionalization.

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) has been the primary driver of affordable rental housing since its creation by Congress in 1986, making housing available to over 9 million households. However, federal LIHTC guidelines do not require the creation of deeply affordable, accessible housing for people with mobility and sensory impairments, nor do they incentivize inclusive housing for individuals who need supportive services to live in integrated, community settings.

State housing agencies play a crucial role in determining how Housing Credits are distributed through their Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), directly shaping the availability, affordability,
and accessibility of housing within their state. These agencies establish specific priorities and selection criteria that developers must meet to secure tax credit allocations, ensuring that resources are directed toward projects that align with state and local housing needs. By shaping both the immediate distribution of Housing Credits and the broader housing policy landscape, state housing agencies play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive, sustainable, and affordable communities.

Advocates have a key opportunity to influence these decisions during public comment periods, where they can push for policies that prioritize accessible housing, integrated supportive services, and deeply affordable units for people with disabilities. By engaging in this process, advocates can help ensure that housing policies reflect the needs of their communities.

This advocacy guide equips disability and housing advocates with the tools to craft compelling public comments. By leveraging these strategies, advocates can amplify their impact, drive meaningful policy changes, and advance housing inclusion for people with disabilities.

Questions?

If you have questions about this guide or need additional advocacy support, please email hello@ thekelsey.org. The Kelsey is available to help you throughout your QAP advocacy journey.