CH+R Receives Mainstream Cares Award

Concord Housing + Redevelopment (CH+R) announces that the agency is the recipient of federal funds through the Mainstream program. Ten vouchers totaling over $73,000 will be given out in the initial round of the endeavor. The Mainstream voucher program sets aside funds for eligible disabled families.

It allows families with persons with disabilities who often face difficulties in locating suitable and accessible housing to lease affordable private housing of their choice. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is making up to $150 million in Mainstream funding available for new vouchers to help public housing agencies nationwide.

“This is a great opportunity to work with some amazing organizations in the area to help a specific group of people find good housing,” said John Hoyt, Executive Director of CH+R. “Our partners will identify needs, and CH+R will determine eligibility. Mainstream recipients must pay 30% of their income to housing, and HUD will cover the rest. It’s a great way to get people into safe, clean, stable housing and start the new year on the right foot.”

Eligible families will have one or more non-elderly persons (age 18-62) with disabilities – either physical, mental, developmental, or emotional. CH+R will be working with several local agencies on this project, including Family Promise of Greater Concord, The Friends Program, and the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness. These organizations will work to identify needs within their client base and make sure the Mainstream vouchers get to people who need them most. The program also includes continued support for the families and individuals selected.

“The Friends Program is proud to partner with Concord Housing to help our families make a new home,” said Nancy Paul, Executive Director of The Friends Program. “There are far too many families who have members with disabilities. This program shines a much needed light on this population and is a big step toward safe and secure housing for them.”

CH+R is expected to start distributing the Mainstream vouchers to its partner organizations in January, with anticipated move-in dates for families and individuals in February.