Controlling Board approves $8 million DODD program to help build or renovate homes for people with disabilities

The State Controlling Board approved the Department of Developmental Disabilities’ Community Capital Assistance program, an $8 million initiative DODD said will fund renovations or purchases of homes for people with developmental disabilities.

Kyle Moore, legislative liaison for DODD, told the board counties will be limited initially to about two projects at a time so funding is widely available, and after all counties have had opportunities the program will accept broader applications. "Nonprofit housing corporations will work with their local county boards to identify needs and apply through the county board and then it will come up to DODD to also sign off on," Moore said.

Moore said funds can be used to renovate homes to improve accessibility or to purchase housing for people transitioning from developmental centers or intermediate care facilities. When asked whether funds supported group homes, Moore responded that the homes would be for up to four people per home. The board approved the item with no objections.

DODD said it will release a memo with program details to counties once the funds are available and that program staff are engaging with community partners. The transcript did not list award criteria, precise allocation by county, or project-level dollar amounts.