Program Description
VHDA’s Granting Freedom Program, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, makes funding available to assist with modifications to homes and rental units in Virginia to make them accessible for Virginia service members and veterans who sustained a line-of-duty injury resulting in a service-connected disability.
Applications will be accepted from Agents on behalf of the homeowner or tenant. Examples of approved Agents are Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Local Agencies, Non-profit Organizations or landlords in need of accessibility modifications to a rental unit for a specific tenant. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.
All communications for the work to be completed will between the Agent, Contractor, Applicant, and Landlord (if applicable). VHDA’s Grant Programs Administrator does not intercede in this communication. The Agent should be the only point of contact between the program participants and VHDA. Visit www.vhda.com for a list of active approved agents.
The home or rental unit requiring modifications must be the primary principal residence of the individual with a disability.
Typical modifications include, but are not limited to:
• Installation of ramps and chairlifts
• Widening of doorways and sidewalks
• Remote entry devices
• Alterations to bathrooms (standard tub-cuts, walk-in showers, grab bars, toilets, faucets, etc.) and kitchens
Applicants with modifications exceeding the maximum grant amount will need to find additional sources of funds to supplement the project cost (e.g. funds from local civic organizations, personal or family funds, or other government-funded programs).
Eligibility Guidelines
The grant provides funds on a first come/first served basis, for a maximum of $4,000. Funds can be used for any renovations that are needed to make the following types of residences accessible for service members or veterans with a service-connected disability:
• Home
• Rental unit
For rental units, the funds do not pay for the cost of items that are required to be provided by the housing owner.
In recognition of an agent’s assistance with these applications, an administrative stipend of $400 will be paid only to the agents that are Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Local Agencies, and Non-profit Organizations.
Restrictions
• Applicants are limited to one grant every five years unless the applicant moves to a new location which requires modification or if the modification was damaged due to natural causes (weather).
• Applicants paying rent to a person that owns and resides in the residence are not eligible.
• Applicants who apply for and are awarded funds under this program may not apply for VHDA Rental Unit Accessibility Modification grant funds.
Regular bathroom tub cuts are eligible. Funds will not be granted for walk-in tubs such as jacuzzi and spa-like tubs(with jets or other amenties).
Freedom of Information Act
VHDA is subject to, and will at all times comply with, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”). VHDA will not disclose the personal financial information of the Applicant which is protected by law, but under the current version of FOIA, the rest of the file for this grant is entirely subject to disclosure
Conflict of Interest
By submitting this application for a grant, the Applicant certifies to VHDA that he or she (1) does not have any ownership interest in the contractor(s) bidding on the job, (2) has not received anything, and has not received the promise of anything, from the contractor(s) bidding on the job that the Applicant has not already paid for in full, (3) does not have any personal or family relationship with the contractor(s) bidding on the job, and (4) has not given anything of value to any employee or agent of VHDA at anytime prior to this application |