In May 2010, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) launched its Amy Young Barrier Removal Program (AYBRP), named in honor of one of the state's most passionate and persuasive advocates for Texans with disabilities, Amy Young.

Previously known as the HomeFree Barrier Removal and Rehabilitation Program, the AYBRP helps finance home modifications that include the addition of handrails and ramps, widening of doors, adjusting countertops and cabinets to appropriate heights, installation of buzzing or flashing devices for persons with visual or hearing impairments, and installation of accessible showers, toilets, and sinks.

The Program provides one-time grants for up to $20,000 per home with at least 75% of each home's total grant to be used for barrier removal. Up to 25% of each home's total grant may be used for health or safety hazard removal, unless otherwise approved by the TDHCA. Funds target qualifying individuals who earn no more than 80% of the area median family income. View HUD Income Limits

The Arlington Housing Authority (AHA) has been selected as an administrator of the program and will process the intake applications, verify eligibility and oversee construction for projects in Arlington, Texas.

The AHA began accepting applications on December 20, 2017, and created a waiting list. All applications received during the initial 30 days are placed in the first pool of applicants. All applications received after the initial 30 days were placed in the second pool of applicants. Name were randomly drawn from the first pool until all names were depleted. Then names were drawn from the second pool, according to date and time of application.

AYBRP Application (Word doc)

Applications will be accepted at the Arlington Housing Authority Office located at 501 W. Sanford Street, Suite 20, Arlington, TX 76011 via regular mail, fax, email, or hand delivery.

If you need additional information or have questions, please call 817-276-6707 or email  [email protected]

AYBRP Brochure (pdf)

The Amy Young Story

Amy, a public policy analyst with the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, passed away in September 2008 after a sudden illness, one year before TDHCA announced the new statewide housing program created in part from recommendations she had pushed for as part of an advocacy policy workgroup.

Amy not only gave shape to the much-needed program, she also urged the Department to offer the program through its state funded Housing Trust Fund (HTF), which provided greater flexibility and fewer regulatory restrictions than federally funded programs, making it an ideal vehicle for this initiative.

Although she was not able to see her efforts come to fruition, the Department named its Barrier Removal Program in Amy's honor as the program significantly improves the quality of life for hundreds of Texans with disabilities.