Mo. housing panel OKs plan for special needs homes

Missouri will direct tens of millions of dollars of tax credits to build housing for the mentally ill, physically disabled and youths leaving the foster care system. Supporters say the plan could help reduce homelessness.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission on Thursday approved a plan that sets aside one-third of its tax credits for housing units that serve people with special needs. That could result in between $83 million and $122 million of tax credits for such housing over a 10-year period.

The plan was pushed by State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY'-ful). He describes it as one of Missouri's largest investments in the battle against homelessness.

Zweifel says Missouri has about 24,000 homeless people. He estimates the tax credits could help build 400 housing units.

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