Under the voluntary housing capital assistance scheme, accommodation may be provided for persons with special needs such as the elderly, homeless or persons with disabilities. The scheme is not designed to provide nursing home or accommodation where residents would require extensive medical, nursing or institutional type care. However, some housing projects, which require a higher ratio of carers to residents than the usual single caretaker to allow for independent living, may be provided through a shared funding arrangement between the housing authority concerned and the relevant health board. Assistance towards the cost of care and support services provided in sheltered housing over and above those normally required in housing management are a matter for the health board concerned.
There are currently 594 voluntary bodies with approved status from my Department, who may seek assistance to provide accommodation for eligible categories of persons. My Department's involvement relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the voluntary housing scheme and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme are the responsibility of local authorities and any proposals to meet housing needs should be submitted for consideration to the relevant local authority.
