CLOVIS RECEIVES MORE THAN $1 MILLION FROM HUD FOR HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

FORT WORTH - It will soon be easier for people with disabilities in Clovis to find affordable housing, thanks to $1,268,200 in housing assistance announced today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson
to help people with disabilities find decent, safe housing that they can afford. Nationally, a total of $138.5 million in grants was announced today.

"Americans with disabilities make remarkable contributions to our society every day, and they shouldn't have to
worry about being able to afford a decent place to live," said Jackson. "These grants will go a long way toward achieving that goal."

The grant is awarded under HUD's Section 811 program, which provides housing for households with one or more
very low-income individuals, at least one of whom is at least 18 years old and has a disability, such as a physical
or developmental disability or chronic mental illness. The term "person with disabilities" also includes two or more people with disabilities living together, and one or more persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in attendants. The program allows persons with disabilities to live independently in their communities by increasing
the supply of rental housing with the availability of supportive services.

This housing typically is in newly constructed small apartment buildings, group homes for three to four people per home, or condominium units. Residents will pay 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent and the federal government will pay the rest.

To be classified as "very low-income," a household income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area median income. However, most households that receive Section 811 assistance have an income less than 30 percent of the area median. Generally, this means that a one-person household will have an annual income of about $12,180.

HUD provides the Section 811 funds to non-profits in two forms:

• Capital advances. This is money that covers the cost of developing the housing. It does not need to be
  repaid as long as the housing is available for at least 40 years for occupancy by very low-income people
  with disabilities.
  
  
• Project rental assistance. This is money that goes to each non-profit group to cover the difference
  between the residents' contributions toward rent and the cost of operating the project.

Project Location: Clovis, NM
Non-Profit Sponsor: Eastern Plains Housing Dev Corp
Capital Advance: $1,059,700
5-year rental subsidy: $208,500
Number of units: 14
Project Description:
The project is a 14-unit property for persons with physical disabilities. It will have 6 one-bedroom units, 6 two-bedroom units and 2 three-bedroom units. All 14 units in the project will be fully handicapped accessible and will
meet all Section 504 requirements. The laundry/maintenance facility will be located at a central location so that all resident have access. The building will consist of a laundry facility, and a maintenance storage area.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as
well as enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.