Independent Housing Options

III.D.2

The Commonwealth shall facilitate individuals receiving HCBS waivers under this Agreement to live in their own home, leased apartment, or family’s home, when such a placement is their informed choice and the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. To facilitate individuals living independently in their own home or apartment, the Commonwealth shall provide information about and make appropriate referrals for individuals to apply for rental or housing assistance and bridge funding through all existing sources, including local, State, or federal affordable housing or rental assistance programs (tenant-based or project-based) and the fund described in Section III.D.4 below.

III.D.3

The Commonwealth develops an annual plan to increase access to independent living options such as individuals’ own homes or apartments. The Commonwealth undertakes this initiative recognizing that comparatively modest housing supports often can enable individuals to live successfully in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs.

1. Virginia’s Plan to Increase Independent Living Options (VPIILO) has been developed under the direct supervision of a dedicated housing service team for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (“DBHDS”) and in coordination with representatives from the Department of Medical Assistance Services (“DMAS”), Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and other organizations as determined appropriate by DBHDS.
2. The plan establishes, for individuals receiving or eligible to receive services through the HCBS waivers under this Agreement:
3.         Baseline information regarding the number of individuals who would choose the independent living options described above, if available; and
4.         Recommendations to provide access to these settings during each year of this Agreement.