Families with autism face unique challenges when it comes to finding suitable housing that meets their specific needs.
Fortunately, there are a variety of housing grants available to help these families overcome financial barriers and secure safe, comfortable living arrangements.
Recommended: 14 Best Grants for Single Moms in Arizona
These grants are designed to provide support and assistance for families who may otherwise struggle to afford appropriate housing for themselves and their loved ones with autism.
This article covers grants for families with autism.
The Housing Grants for Families with Autism
From providing financial assistance for home modifications to offering rental assistance for families in need, these grants offer a lifeline for families looking to improve their living situation and create a comfortable and supportive home environment for their loved ones with autism. Below are some of the best grants for families with autism:
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is a grant program that provides funding to states, local governments, and nonprofits to create affordable housing for low-income families, including those with disabilities.
The program offers grants for a wide range of activities, such as home purchase, rehabilitation, new construction, and rental assistance. Families with autism may benefit from the program by receiving assistance with the purchase or rental of a home that meets their specific needs. Find more information here.
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
The Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities is a federal grant program that provides funding to nonprofit organizations to develop and operate affordable housing units for persons with disabilities.
The program offers rental assistance to eligible families with disabilities, including autism. The program requires that at least 25% of the units be set aside for extremely low-income families, making it easier for families with autism to access affordable housing. Find more information here.
Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Special Needs Assistance Program is a grant program that provides funding to public housing authorities to support the development of affordable housing for families with disabilities, including those with autism.
The program provides rental assistance to eligible families to help cover the cost of rent and other housing-related expenses. Find more information here.
Recommended: 5 Top Free Government Grants for Small Business Start Ups
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
The Community Development Block Grant Program is a federal grant program that provides funding to state and local governments to support a wide range of community development activities, including affordable housing development.
The program provides funding for a variety of housing-related activities, such as rehabilitation, construction, and rental assistance. Families with autism may benefit from the program by receiving assistance with the purchase or rental of a home that meets their specific needs. Find more information here.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program is a federal grant program that provides funding to nonprofit organizations and state and local governments to provide housing assistance and supportive services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
The program provides rental assistance, supportive services, and short-term assistance with housing-related expenses, such as utilities and security deposits. Families with autism who are affected by HIV/AIDS may benefit from the program by receiving assistance with housing-related expenses and supportive services. Find more information here.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH):
The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program provides rental assistance vouchers to eligible low-income veterans and their families. The program also offers case management and clinical services for veterans who need additional support, including those with autism.
VASH works with local public housing authorities to provide affordable and safe housing options to veterans and their families. To be eligible for VASH, veterans must meet certain income and service requirements and be referred by the VA. Find more information here.
Recommended: 4 Top Charities That Give Grants to Individuals
National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF):
The National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) is a federal program that provides grants to states to build, preserve, and rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income families, including those with autism.
The program also offers rental assistance to eligible families. The NHTF is funded through a dedicated source of revenue from the federal government, and the grants are distributed to states based on their population and affordable housing needs. Find more information here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income families to help pay for home energy bills, including heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP also offers energy efficiency services, such as weatherization and furnace repair or replacement, to help families reduce their energy costs.
LIHEAP benefits are available to eligible households with income below 150% of the federal poverty level, and priority is given to households with vulnerable members, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Find more information here.
Recommended: 8 Top Free Repair Grants for Veterans: Best Guide
Rural Housing and Economic Development Program (RHED):
The Rural Housing and Economic Development Program (RHED) is a federal program that provides grants to rural communities to support affordable housing and economic development projects.
The program aims to help low-income families in rural areas, including those with autism, access safe and affordable housing. RHED grants can be used for a variety of activities, such as developing affordable housing units, providing rental assistance to eligible families, and supporting community economic development projects. Find more information here.
HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program:
The HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program is a federal program that provides grants to states and localities to support rental assistance for low-income families, including those with autism. The program works with public housing authorities and private landlords to provide affordable housing options for eligible families.
TBRA grants can be used to cover a variety of housing costs, such as security deposits, rent, and utility payments.
Eligible households must have incomes below 80% of the area median income and must meet other program requirements.
Find more information here.
Recommended: 9 Best Grants for moms going back to School
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program:
The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program provides funding to help communities address homelessness by providing emergency shelter, rapid re-housing assistance, and homelessness prevention services.
Families with autism who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless may be eligible for ESG assistance. ESG funds can be used for short-term rental assistance, utility payments, security deposits, and other costs associated with obtaining or maintaining housing. Find more information here.
Shelter Plus Care (S+C) Program:
The Shelter Plus Care (S+C) Program provides rental assistance, supportive services, and case management to help individuals and families with disabilities, including autism, obtain and maintain housing. S+C funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is administered by local housing agencies.
Eligible families must meet income requirements and have a disabling condition that makes it difficult for them to obtain or maintain housing on their own. Find more information here.
Family Unification Program (FUP):
The Family Unification Program (FUP) provides vouchers for rental assistance to families with children who are at risk of being separated due to a lack of adequate housing.
Families with autism may be eligible for FUP assistance if they are at risk of losing custody of their children or if their children are in foster care due to inadequate housing. FUP vouchers can be used to rent a private market apartment or to pay for public housing.
Find more information here.
Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP):
The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) provides funding to help organizations address discriminatory housing practices and promote fair housing.
FHIP funding can be used for a variety of activities, including education and outreach, testing for housing discrimination, and advocacy on behalf of victims of housing discrimination.
Families with autism may benefit from FHIP-funded activities that promote equal access to housing and address housing discrimination based on disability. Find more information here.
Public Housing Capital Fund:
The Public Housing Capital Fund provides funding to public housing agencies to make capital improvements to their properties, including repairs, renovations, and modernizations. Capital Fund grants can be used to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, including families with autism.
Capital Fund grants can also be used to make energy-efficient upgrades, improve security, and address other health and safety issues in public housing properties. Find more information here.
Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP)
The Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) is a federal grant that provides funding to organizations to help low-income families build their own homes. This program is designed to help families with autism who may have difficulty finding suitable housing.
The program helps with down payment and closing costs, as well as technical assistance and training for families to build their homes themselves.
The program also requires that families contribute a significant amount of sweat equity to the construction of their homes. Find more information here.
Native American Housing Block Grant (NAHBG)
The Native American Housing Block Grant (NAHBG) is a program that provides funding to tribal communities to develop and maintain affordable housing for Native American families. This program includes provisions for families with disabilities, including autism.
The NAHBG provides funding for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of housing units. The program also offers rental assistance for families who cannot afford to purchase their own homes. Find more information here.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal grant that provides funding to states and local communities to combat poverty.
The program includes a variety of services, including housing assistance for low-income families. The CSBG provides funding for housing counseling, rent and utility assistance, and emergency housing services.
Families with autism who are struggling to afford housing may be eligible for assistance through the CSBG program. Find more information here.
Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program
The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program is a federal grant that provides funding to tribes and tribal organizations to develop and maintain affordable housing for Native American families.
The program includes provisions for families with disabilities, including autism. The ICDBG provides funding for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of housing units. The program also offers rental assistance for families who cannot afford to purchase their own homes. Find more information here.
National Community Development Initiative (NCDI) Program
The National Community Development Initiative (NCDI) Program is a grant program that provides funding to non-profit organizations to develop and maintain affordable housing for low-income families. The program includes provisions for families with disabilities, including autism.
The NCDI provides funding for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of housing units. The program also offers rental assistance for families who cannot afford to purchase their own homes. Find more information here.
