The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), the sponsor for TAP, is the City of Philadelphia's housing policy agency responsible for administering housing and community development programs to benefit low- and moderate-income residents. OHCD activities include:
- homeownership opportunities
- housing repair programs
- specialized housing needs
OHCD's housing budget is funded from
- Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- Federal HOME program
- Federal Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Housing and Redevelopment Assistance Program (DCED)
Implementation of OHCD-funded activities is undertaken by
- Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (RDA)
- Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
- Philadelphia Department of Commerce
- Community Development Corporations (CDCs)
- Many non-profit organizations
Among the activities that OHCD undertakes to help meet the housing needs of persons with disabilities are: housing production, rental assistance and support services and facilities.
OHCD issues a Request For Proposals annually through the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to provide development financing for new construction and rehabilitation projects. OHCD stipulates the following in all developments that they fund: at least 10 percent of the units must meet the accessibility needs of people with physical disabilities and at least 4 percent must meet the accessibility needs of persons with visual or hearing impairments. In addition, through OHCD's Adaptive Modifications Program, persons with disabilities may apply to PHDC for funds for accessibility features that will enable them to remain in their own home.
OHCD's goals include assisting individuals with disabilities to become homeowners, and integrating individuals with disabilities into all Philadelphia communities. These goals have resulted in the creation of a Model Affirmative Marketing Plan and the development of the Home Finder, both of which are intended to help people with disabilities to have greater access to affordable, accessible housing funded by OHCD.
For more information about OHCD go to www.phila.gov/ohcd
|
