Project Rental Assistance Program

The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking applications for the HUD 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program. This funding opportunity aims to provide project-based rental assistance for extremely low-income, non-elderly individuals with disabilities and their households. The goal is to bridge the gap between tenant rent contributions and the approved rent for designated units. The Department of Commerce has secured two grants totaling $14.4 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2010. These funds will support new 811 PRA units across Washington State, prioritizing counties currently underserved by the program, including Cowlitz, Kitsap, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom.

The program is designed to serve individuals with incomes at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are receiving or eligible for Medicaid. Eligible tenants include non-elderly persons (ages 18-61) with disabilities who are receiving long-term care services through Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), the Developmental Disabilities Division, or the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Preference may be given to applicants targeting veterans and homeless populations, but housing with age-based restrictions such as 55+ communities will not qualify.

The funding available for this round totals $9.7 million, with individual awards determined based on fiscal needs and project alignment with HUD and Commerce guidelines. Rental Assistance Contracts (RACs) are issued for a 20-year period, with an initial funding commitment for five years. Additional funding beyond the first five years is contingent on Congressional appropriations. Allowable expenses under this funding are strictly limited to rental assistance for eligible tenants, and capital expenses such as property acquisition, rehabilitation, construction, or improvements are not permitted.

Eligible applicants include owners or managers of multifamily housing projects that meet specific financing and operational criteria. Properties must have at least five units and have capital financing commitments through federal, state, or local government programs such as the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, or the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Additionally, no more than 25% of total project units can be designated for 811 PRA funding or set aside for persons with disabilities. The program also requires compliance with federal housing standards, accessibility requirements, and long-term affordability commitments.

Applications must be submitted electronically by April 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The earliest date contracts may be executed is June 9, 2025. An applicant conference is scheduled for March 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time, with a question-and-answer period open from February 24 to March 10, 2025. Responses to questions will be posted no later than March 17, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated based on project experience, alignment with program goals, unit distribution, and implementation plans. The highest-scoring applications may be required to participate in virtual presentations between April 30 and May 7, 2025. Award announcements are expected by May 22, 2025.

Applicants must submit several required documents, including certifications and assurances, a detailed 811 Application Workbook, a Diverse Business Inclusion Plan, and a Workers’ Rights Certification. The evaluation process includes a scoring rubric assessing organizational experience, project readiness, unit attributes, and available services. Organizations that do not require employees to sign arbitration clauses as a condition of employment may receive a 5% bonus to their final score.

The RFA Coordinator, Danielle Rylander, serves as the primary point of contact and can be reached via email at 811admin@commerce.wa.gov. All communication regarding this funding opportunity should be directed to her. Additional information, including program guidelines and application documents, is available through the Washington State Department of Commerce website.