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ISSUE ALERT
January 2008
Priced Out In Austin
The City of Austin is preparing a “Consolidated Plan” that will determine how money for affordable housing is spent over the next five years.
This is your opportunity to talk about the shortage of housing that is available for people who are “extremely-low” income – including people with disabilities living on SSI or Social Security benefits as their only income.
Here is the hearing schedule:
* January 27, 2009 (Tuesday) at 2:00 p.m.
Community Action Network
1000 E. 11th Street, Suite 400A.
* February 5, 2009 (Thursday) at 6:30 p.m.
Community Development Commission Meeting
Austin City Hall - Boards and Commissions Room
301 West Second Street
* February 10, 2009 (Tuesday) at 6:00 p.m.
HIV Planning Council Meeting
1520 Rutherford Lane, Bldg. 1, 1st Floor
* March 5, 2009 (Thursday) at 6:00 p.m.
Austin City Council Meeting
Austin City Hall, 301 West Second Street
* March 9, 2009 (Monday) at 6:30 p.m.
Community Development Commission
Austin City Hall - Boards and Commissions Room
301 West Second Street
Read about the Consolidated Plan here:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/housing/conplan_09-14.htm
ISSUE ALERT
January 2008
Priced Out In Austin
Comment on the Fiscal Year 2009-14 Consolidated Plan
Goal: People with disabilities who are extremely-low income will have access to affordable, accessible and integrated housing.
Problem: Access to affordable, accessible, and integrated housing is one of the biggest hurdles for people with disabilities who want to live in the community. People with disabilities face few housing options and lengthy waiting lists for most rental assistance programs. The lack of housing options puts this population at a higher risk of institutionalization, a much higher cost to us all.
Recommendation: Prioritize use of additional funds to increase housing options for extremely-low income households, including people with disabilities.
Background:
Affordable housing is often beyond the reach of people with disabilities. The creation of additional accessible, affordable, and integrated housing opportunities for people with disabilities whose income is at 50% or below the area Text Box: Key Fact Texans with Disabilities face rental rates at 97% of their monthly income, compared to about 40% for the average Texan. Source:www.tacinc.org/Pubs/PricedOut median income is needed.
· The sole source of income for many people with disabilities is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), currently $674 for a single person per month. Persons with disabilities, who receive SSI as their only income, pay a disproportionately higher percentage of their income for housing.
· Most federal, state, and local funding for housing goes to the development of housing at rental rates above the affordability standard for people at this income level.
· Local waiting lists for rental assistance programs are at least 2-3 years, with over 5,000 people.
· Population growth, and the trend of movement from institutions to the community, create a greater need for integrated, accessible and affordable housing for people with disabilities.
Justification:
Funding affordable housing makes economic sense for Austin. When extremely low-income people with disabilities are unable to find affordable housing, their risk of institutionalization increases, resulting in costs that far exceed affordable housing rent subsidies.