Protect and Expand Federal Housing Programs
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Why It Matters

People with disabilities disproportionately rely on federal housing supports, including vouchers, project-based rental assistance, and disability-specific programs like Section 811. Federal programs often determine whether accessible, affordable homes get built. 

Without increased federal investment, states and localities rarely fill the gap, which leaves disabled people at risk of homelessness, unnecessary institutionalization, or housing that does not meet accessibility needs. Additionally, cuts or policy changes can threaten the stability of people already living in subsidized housing.

Our Advocacy Focus

Increase and Strengthen HUD Section 811 Housing for People with Disabilities: Section 811 is one of the only federal programs specifically designed to create integrated housing for people with disabilities. We support expanding funding and improving program implementation. 

Expand Housing Choice Vouchers & Reduce Wait Times: Millions remain on waiting lists for years. We push for more voucher funding and streamlined processes so people with disabilities can access housing quickly. This includes a specific emphasis on the Mainstream Housing Voucher and Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher programs. 

Advance Housing Policies that Support Community Integration: We lead housing reform that upholds the Lois Curtis v. Olmstead Supreme Court Decision’s mandate for community integration. For example, we partner with Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) policy leaders to ensure that there are aligned housing policies to support people to receive services (HCBS) in their own homes. We provide policy guidance to expand options for community-based housing where people with and without disabilities live as neighbors, regardless of the level of in-home support they need. 

Strengthen Fair and Equal Housing Opportunities: We advocate for strong enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Federal Policy Priorities

We lead and support federal legislation and reforms that:

Improve Deep Affordability

  • Enable deeper income targeting to reach extremely low-income households.
  • Pair LIHTC with rental assistance and other subsidies to serve those with the greatest needs.

Strengthen Accessibility & Inclusion

  • Incentivize or require higher accessibility standards in LIHTC properties.
  • Incentivize LIHTC properties in more walkable and rollable neighborhoods. 
  • Increase production of units accessible to people with mobility, sensory, and other disabilities.

Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act

We championed the first-ever federal legislation to embed disability-forward reforms within LIHTC: Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act.

The VITAL Act would:

  • Create requirements and incentives for accessible units in LIHTC developments
  • Incentivize development in walkable, rollable neighborhoods with proximity to public transit, healthcare, and community amenities.

The VITAL Act aligns federal housing investment with the principles of accessibility, community integration, and aging in place, ensuring that LIHTC developments support full participation in community life.

Contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to cosponsor the upcoming legislation.

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA)

We are a member of the ACTION Campaign, a national coalition of more than 2,400 organizations and businesses advocating for the expansion and strengthening of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

Through ACTION, we support the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) — bipartisan legislation that would:

  • Expand the annual LIHTC allocation
  • Increase housing production
  • Improve affordability
  • Enhance program flexibility to better meet community needs

AHCIA represents a critical opportunity to significantly scale affordable housing development nationwide.

How Advocates Can Take Action

  • Contact your members of Congress and urge them to fully fund HUD and key housing programs.
  • Participate in public comment opportunities on federal housing rules and funding.
  • Share stories about how federal housing programs impact your life or community.