Mainstream Voucher Program

Who Can Benefit from the Mainstream Voucher

The Mainstream Voucher housing program serves persons with disabilities who have very low incomes.

What is the Mainstream Voucher Program

The Mainstream Voucher housing program helps pay for housing by giving a person a "voucher." The voucher helps pay for rent so the person can live independently in the community. The person pays about one-third of her income for monthly rent. The Mainstream Voucher pays the leftover amount of rent and utilities.

How can a Person Apply for the Mainstream Voucher Program

Any public housing authority (PHA) can apply for these vouchers (the PHA can apply to get up to 100 vouchers under the Mainstream Voucher housing program). Nonprofit organizations which serve people with disabilities can also apply for these vouchers. Or, the nonprofit organizations can work together with the PHA to improve services to people who have disabilities. The person must go to the PHA to apply for the Mainstream Voucher housing program, or apply with a participating nonprofit housing provider.

Pros and Cons of the Mainstream Voucher Program

Pros

The Mainstream Voucher housing program:

• is less likely to have a waiting list;
• may be offered by a nonprofit provider with experience serving people with disabilities;
• may include assistance to find suitable housing;
• future vouchers may help some own their own home; and
• all PHAs are eligible to get Mainstream Vouchers which they can then give to people with disabilities.

Cons

The Mainstream Voucher housing program:

• does not include support services;
• many PHAs do not get Mainstream Vouchers because they are not aware of the need for housing for people with disabilities; and
• a landlord who accepts Mainstream Vouchers is not required to make rental units accessible (although the landlord cannot generally refuse to allow modifications to be made to the rental unit if they are paid for by someone else and removed when the renter leaves.)

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