Missoula Housing Authority has been awarded an allotment of 20 new Section 8 vouchers through what is called the Mainstream Voucher program. These vouchers will serve families that have disabled members who are 18 or older and under 62 years old. “This is the first new allotment of vouchers we have received in many years,” says Jim McGrath, Director of HUD Programs at MHA. “In fact, we have never received new vouchers during my career here. We are very excited." MHA will be targeting these to non-elderly disabled persons who are transitioning from institutions or other segregated settings, or those who have previously experienced homelessness and are currently a client in a rapid re-housing program. We are also partnering with local service providers Opportunity Resources Inc., Summit Independent Living Center and the YWCA of Missoula. Those agencies will help identify applicants, assist in finding housing, and refer or provide services. HUD explains that “Targeting resources to assist eligible persons with disabilities and their families who are transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings or at serious risk of institutionalization will help further the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Targeting resources to assist eligible persons with disabilities and their families who are currently experiencing homelessness, have previously experienced homelessness, or at risk of experiencing homelessness supports the goals of Home Together: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness". “We have over 400 families on our waiting list currently that might be eligible for these vouchers,” McGrath said. “HUD’s expectation is that we fully use this allotment as promptly as possible. I am optimistic that we will do that.” Families who qualify will need to apply to MHA’s existing Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. They can do so by going to our online portal, Missoula.House.