HUD PIH Notice 2005-05 – New Freedom Initiative, Executive Order 13217: “Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities,” and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (February 1, 2005)

Explains Bush’s New Freedom Initiative and Executive Order and guides PHAs and HUD field staff regarding initiatives that can be implemented to assist persons with disabilities and their families searching for housing under the Section 8 Voucher program. Among other things, this Notice instructs PHAs to be “generous” in establishing the permitted search time for a unit, permitting PHAs to go beyond 120 days so long as the time period is not indefinite. The Notice also encourages PHAs to provide families with lists of organizations and agencies offering supportive services, including “state protection and advocacy agencies, Centers for Independent Living, State Medicaid agencies, and disability advocacy groups that represent individuals with a variety of disabilities.” [Download]