WHAT IS THE HOUSING CREDIT PROGRAM?
Since 2002, NC housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) and NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has partnered
to create quality, affordable apartments for persons with disabilities.
Housing Credit projects that received bonus points under the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) in 2002 and 2003,
and all projects since 2004, are required to target ten percent (10%) of the total units (Targeted Units) to households
referred by a local human service agency (Lead Agency) pursuant to a Targeting Plan. Properties with federal project-based
rental assistance (PBRA) must target at least five units. Projects are not required to provide onsite supportive services
or a services coordinator, and participation in supportive services my not be a condition of tenancy.
After the award of Housing Credits, owners must submit a Targeting Plan to DHHS that identifies a Lead Agency
to coordinate referrals to the Targeted Units. The targeted Units do not establish an upper limit for the number of
persons with disabilities that can or might live in any project. Persons with disabilities who can afford the rent
and/or have Section 8 rental assistance should be encouraged to apply to the project as any other tenant without
being referred by the Lead Agency.
ELIGIBILITY
Application for a Targeted unit is only made through the lead agency’s submission of a completed Letter of Referral
for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Targeted Units. “Walk-ins” may reveal that they have a disability or are formerly
homeless, but if the project has not received a completed Letter of Referral from the Lead Agency, the household
does not count towards the required number of Targeted Units.
In addition to a Letter of Referral and meeting program/project (household size, screening criteria) standards,
eligibility for a Targeted Unit depends upon the source of rental assistance.
- For households with Section 8 vouchers or federal project-based rental assistance (PBRA) assisted units,
the head of household meets the assistance administrator’s program’s definition of disabled and/or homeless.
- For all other units, head of household receives income based upon disability that is less than 30% of the Area
Median Income but at least $300 per month.
FORMS
Letter of Referral for Low Income Housing Tax Credit Targeted Unit
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