MADISON, Wisc. — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Multifamily Housing Programs awarded $7,450,000 to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to support affordable housing access for extremely low-income people with disabilities.

Twenty-one state housing agencies are receiving over $150 million in grants through the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program. The program helps people with disabilities live independently by expanding access to affordable rental housing in communities where they can access the supportive services they need.

This is WHEDA’s fourth Section 811 award, bringing total program funding to nearly $23 million. The program currently supports 141 rental units statewide, with the latest award expected to support up to 100 additional units. With the full allocation of available funding, the program has the potential to grow to more than 450 units over the next five years. The additional funding, combined with the inclusion of Section 811 as an optional point category in the 2027-2028 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), will help expand the program’s reach and create more housing opportunities for people with disabilities across Wisconsin.   

“I am incredibly proud that WHEDA has secured another Section 811 Project Rental Assistance award, building on our commitment to expand safe, affordable housing opportunities for some of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents,” said Tonya Buchner, Director of Multifamily Compliance at WHEDA. “This funding will help individuals with disabilities transitioning out of institutional care or at risk of homelessness live with greater independence, stability, and dignity in their communities.”

The Section 811 PRA Program provides project-based rental assistance to help low-income people with disabilities live independently in integrated housing. WHEDA will collaborate with housing developers, property owners, and state agency partners like the Department of Health Services, to connect eligible people to housing opportunities.

“Because of the 811 Program, some of our most vulnerable families are able to access the housing and support they need to thrive,” said Elmer Moore, Jr., CEO & Executive Director of WHEDA.

This award builds on WHEDA’s efforts to expand housing choices for those facing significant barriers to affordable housing. Learn more on our website. An online version of this News Release is available here.


ABOUT WHEDA 

Since 1972, WHEDA has helped thousands of Wisconsin residents access safe, affordable homes. WHEDA expands housing opportunities across the state through innovative financing, such as mortgage products, commercial lending, and tax credits. WHEDA also supports renters by administering federal housing vouchers and upholding compliance with affordable housing standards. Committed to protecting housing as a core human need and to putting people first, WHEDA helps Wisconsin thrive by fulfilling our unique purpose as the state’s housing finance agency. Learn more at wheda.com.