Below is a list of housing assistance that can provide support in living independently. The costs to you are different depending on your situation. Most of these programs have elligibility that are based on your income and level of need.
Finding an accessible home or apartment
For help finding an accessible home or apartment, visit the Virginia Housing website, which provides a directory of accessible housing.
Making your current home or apartment accessible
Some programs offer help by making changes to your home called “home modifications.” These changes may include putting in ramps and grab-bars, making doorways wider, changing the bathrooms or kitchen. Other changes can include moving plugs, lights, or thermostats, and putting in special electric and plumbing systems. Home Modification and Repair provides helpful information and resources about home modifications and possible financial assistance through home modification programs.
If you use a Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver, check with your case manager, transition coordinator, or other service provider to see if you are eligible for payment by Medicaid for “environmental modifications.” Environmental modifications are physical changes to an individual home or apartment, vehicle, and in some cases, a work space that makes it easier to live, work or drive.
Help in repairing your house
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development offer programs that may be able to help, depending on what type of repairs you need. Help may also be available in your community. To find out more visit the VirginiaNavigator website and select “home modification and safety” and put in your zip code.
Help paying rent
You may be able to get help from federal housing programs designed to improve America’s access to safe and affordable housing. Learn more about subsidized housing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Assistance buying a house
Many programs may be able to help you buy a house. If you want to learn how to buy a house, sign up for a VHDA home ownership education program or see a housing counselor. If you are ready to buy a house, learn about VHDA Home Loan Programs. Link to information about each of these programs at the Virginia Housing website.
Help moving from an institution into the community and/or help setting up your household
If you have a Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver you may be able to use “transition services.” This pays for “household set-up” costs if you will be living in a private home and will be paying for your own living expenses. Check with your case manager, transition coordinator, or other service providers to see if you can use this service.
Where can I find out more?
Contact your local Center for Independent Living, Area Agency on Aging, or public housing agency.
To find out more about help in rural areas for very low-income families to buy, repair or change their home, the USDA Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Development may be able to provide programs and services.
To find out more about living in your home or apartment with assistance, read these articles:
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