For Immediate Release
May 24, 2005
Contact: Matt Noyes
617-927-0088 x26
mnoyes
ahc.org
Massachusetts Senate Approves Funds to Provide Over 100 New Housing Vouchers for Disabled Individuals
On May 23, 2005, the Massachusetts State Senate adopted an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 budget offered by State Senator Brian Joyce (D-Milton) to increase funding for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) to $3 million, an increase of $700,000. This is the first funding increase for the program since 2002 and brings the Senate funding level in line with that of the House.
AHVP was established by a bi-partisan initiative between the legislature and then- Governor William Weld to provide housing vouchers for disabled individuals. AHVP initially received $4 million to fund 800 vouchers, but was cut back to $2.3 million in Fiscal Year 2002.
At an average cost of $6,875 annually per voucher, the $3 million allocated by the House and Senate will fund 436 vouchers, an increase of 101 over previous funding levels.
“Access to affordable, accessible housing remains serious issue in Massachusetts, particularly for persons with disabilities,” said Joe Carleo, Executive Director of the AIDS Housing Corporation. “Increasing funding for AHVP shows that the legislature recognizes the problem and that it is working to address it.”
Studies by such organizations as the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) have shown that housing vouchers are significantly more cost-effective for the state, costing less than emergency shelters, institutions, or nursing facilities. In addition, individuals who are housed in the community show more positive health outcomes and a reduction in emergency room visits, saving the state funds in Medicaid expenditures.
The United Disability Housing Partnership is a cross-disability coalition of housing organizations and community group dedicated to expanding housing opportunities and options for persons with disabilities. United Housing is made up of more than 40 member organizations, representing over 150,000 individuals from across Massachusetts.
For more information about United Housing or the Alternative Housing Voucher Program, please contact Matt Noyes at 617-927-0088 x26 or mnoyesahc.org.
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