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Section 811
Program Overview
The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) program provides project-based rental assistance for extremely low-income people with disabilities linked with long term services. The program is made possible through a partnership between Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
The Section 811 PRA program creates the opportunity for persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible through the coordination of voluntary services and providing a choice of subsidized, integrated rental housing options.
The program is available only in specific metropolitan areas.
Target Population
The target population for Section 811 PRA Program units in Wisconsin will be persons with disabilities who are exiting institutions and desire to return to community living, or are at risk of institutionalization because of the loss of housing or the substandard quality of their current housing. Their primary barrier to returning to the community or remaining in the community is lack of suitable and affordable housing.
Tenant Participation Eligibility
To occupy a Section 811 unit, a person must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Total Household Income: at or below 30% of AMI (Area Median Income)
- Eligible for one of several home and community-based waiver (HCBW) programs
- Disabled as defined by HUD 811 guidelines
- Between 18-61 years old at move-in
- Not a lifetime registered sex offender
- Not convicted of methamphetamine production on housing authority property
- Referred by a qualified agent
Wait List and Referrals
WHEDA and DHS are designated manager of the waiting list. Referrals are made by agencies working with the target populations listed in the tenant eligibility section.
Become a Referral Agent
If your organization serves an extremely low-income and disabled population, you are encouraged to apply as a referral agent. For more information, please email 811pra@wheda.com.
Property Participation Eligibility
Properties eligible for the Section 811 PRA Program may be new construction, rehabilitation, or existing properties owned by a nonprofit, public, or a private entity. Properties must also meet the following requirements:
- No more than 25% of the total units can be used for supportive housing or have occupancy restrictions or preferences for people with disabilities (including 811 PRA units)
- Properties must have a minimum of five housing units
- Awards must be layered with a tax credit award for monitoring purposes
- 811 PRA units may not be part of another project-based subsidy program
- Tenants must be extremely low income (30% AMI) or below
- Tenants must be between the ages of 18-61
- Eligible units in the property cannot already have project-based operating housing subsidy, or had a long-term subsidy attached
- Properties with existing use restrictions for people with disabilities may not be eligible
Application for Section 811 PRA
Resources and Forms
Application File Checklist (Tenant)
Notice of Funding Availability
Contact Us
Applications and questions should be directed to Casey Dilley - 811PRA@wheda.com - (608) 267-2820