MFP, Housing, and One State's Efforts - Information Bulletin # 174

MFP, Housing, and One State's Efforts - Information Bulletin # 174 (9/06).

Until November 1, 2006, when the Money Follows the Person applications must be submitted to CMS, we will pass along information which we hear from States regarding strategies being considered. Here is one from Ohio [slightly edited].

"Representatives from the Ohio SILC, Governor's Council on PWD, Ohio Dept of Development, Ohio Centers for Independent living, and ODJFS came together in May to launch a statewide effort to increase housing options for PWDs in Ohio. In an effort to support ... rebalancing long term care system, we offer the following:

"1. Work with the Ohio Hosing Finance Agency and Ohio Dept of Develop to create additional rental assistance for PWDs. Following examples set by other states, additional incentives for developer ingenuity in subsidy creation can close the income gap so persons currently institutionalized can be eligible based on their SSI incomes to receive rental subsidies.
We strongly urge these two State agencies to follow the examples of other states.

"2. The Ohio Access Success Project makes money available to individuals transitioning back to the community for one time expanses such as utility and rent deposits, groceries, furniture, dishes, etc. In addition, transition funds should be made available for home modifications to individuals who have located housing to make that housing accessible.
This should include funds for renters and should not be restricted to people who own their homes.

"3. Ohio's Medicaid office should foster an Inter-Agency relationship with the Ohio Dept of Development and the Ohio Finance Agency to create a Bridge Subsidy Program specifically designed to assit people living in nursing homes transition to the community. Either HOME funds or Housing Trust Fund dollars could be used to support this subsidy. The Bridge Subsidy Program would be a temporary subsidy until individuals are accepted on a Tenant Based or Project Based Section 8 Voucher. Once they receive a Section 8 Voucher, the Ohio Bridge subsidy will be redirected to another individual. Availability of housing options is essential to the success of MFP."

What's your State doing to provide housing options for persons leaving nursing homes? Pass it along.

Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues

Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at http://www.stevegoldada.com with a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects. To
contact Steve Gold directly, write to stevegoldada@cs.com or call 215-627-7100.

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Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues