Millions of dollars are heading to over two dozen states to help people with disabilities access community-based housing and support services.

Federal officials said this week that housing agencies in 25 states will each get a share of $150 million to provide rental assistance to those with disabilities.

The funding is expected to support nearly 4,600 households, including many people transitioning out of institutional settings, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said.

The money is being made available through HUD’s Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program, which provides housing assistance so people with disabilities can live independently in the community.

To qualify, state housing agencies must partner with local Medicaid and health and human services agencies to identify participants and ensure that long-term services and supports are in place so that they can live as independently as possible.

Those with disabilities who earn less than 30 percent of their area’s median income are eligible to take part.

Advocates with the Technical Assistance Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on promoting housing and community support services for those with disabilities, said 35 states applied for the housing funds, suggesting that there is great demand.

States receiving rental assistance through the program include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

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