The Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation was awarded a $7.45 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist households requiring supportive housing.  

HUD announced in October that it awarded more than $150 million in grants to 21 state housing agencies and other eligible organizations nationwide through the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Project Rental Assistance program. 

The funds to recipients ranged from $3.5 million to $7.45 million to help connect eligible people with disabilities to affordable housing options through project-based rental assistance. The federal agency awarded HHFDC the largest grant amount at $7.45 million.

Award recipients will also partner with Medicaid and other health and human services agencies to connect residents with disabilities with voluntary community-based services to support their ability to live independently in the community. In Hawaiʻi, HHFDC is partnering with the Department of Human Services to connect eligible households with housing.

The allocation represents the federal administration’s priorities to create more affordable housing opportunities which aligns with HHFDC’s mission.

HHFDC Executive Director Dean Minakami said, “We appreciate the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for providing resources to address the housing needs of some of Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable residents. We look forward to working with our partners on this effort to increase housing accessiblity.”

Director James Tokioka of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said, “This federal funding will help expand access to affordable housing for Hawaiʻi residents with disabilities, providing the foundation they need to live independently and thrive in their communities.”

DHS Director Joseph Campos II said, “Safe, affordable housing is critical to health, stability and independence. This funding will help more Hawaiʻi residents with disabilities access stable housing while strengthening connections to the services and supports that promote independent living.”

For a complete list of the 21 organizations that received grant funding under the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Project Rental Assistance program, click here.