Affordable Housing Programs in Virginia
Like many states, Virginia is facing an affordable housing crisis with an estimated shortage of approximately 300,000 affordable rental homes. Statistics show just how important affordable housing programs are for Virginia residents. For example, fair market rent on a two-bedroom apartment would require the resident to make at least $30.25 an hour, which is more than double the state’s minimum wage ($12/hour), according to the Virginia Fair Housing Alliance.
Areas experiencing the worst of the affordable housing crisis include Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Northern Virginia, with local governments attempting to find solutions by increasing workforce housing and affordable housing developments, as well as addressing homelessness.
Keep reading for more detailed information on Virginia’s affordable housing landscape.
What Is Affordable Housing?
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), affordable housing is housing that residents spend no more than 30 percent of their gross income on. This allows low-to-moderate income families to allocate more of their funds to other necessary expenditures like healthcare, healthy food, childcare, and more.
Virginia is especially in need of more affordable housing developments because 83 percent of renters earning 30 percent of the area median income (AMI) are cost-burdened. The Virginia Fair Housing Alliance also states that only one in five of the 347,000 Virginians who qualify for federal Housing Choice Vouchers actually receive and use them. More alarming statistics include Virginia’s eviction trends which show evictions have been steadily increasing to the highest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overview of Statewide Programs
There are several statewide programs available to help Virginians find stable, safe, and affordable housing in their area.
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD): This organization assists Virginians through resources for homebuyers, housing rehabilitation and energy efficiency, housing search, eviction reduction, and homelessness.
- Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH): As a program of the DHCD, the ASNH exists to support projects that provide affordable housing for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
- Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHFT): With funds allocated by the General Assembly and administered by the DHCD, the Virginia Housing Trust Fund exists as an affordable housing financial resource for low-income Virginians. As the Commonwealth’s primary investment in affordable housing, the VHFT distributes 80 percent of its funds through the ASNH, with the other 20 percent set aside for Homeless Reduction Grants.
Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA): This organization exists to help Virginians obtain quality, affordable housing and increase the number of stable households through resources, education, and grants for renters, homebuyers, and homeowners.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program: Virginians can find housing that fits their needs through the Housing Choice Voucher Program provided by the federal government to subsidize residents’ rent payments to private landlords. Virginia Housing works with local Public Housing Authorities across the state to administer the HCV program.
- Accessibility Grants: In an effort to foster independence and provide assistance in acquiring barrier-free housing, Virginia Housing offers up to $8,000 to install and modify accessibility features to homeowners and renters.
- First-time homebuyer programs: Virginia Housing is making homeownership affordable and accessible to more Virginians with a variety of loan and assistance programs; some can even be combined to reduce the amount of out-of-pocket costs for qualified first-time homebuyers.
- Workforce Housing Investment Program: This program aims to advance housing options for Virginia’s middle-income workers by supporting communities developing new housing for homeowners and renters who make between 80–120% of the AMI and up to 150 percent AMI for rural areas.
Regional Highlights
Affordable Housing in Virginia Beach, VA
Low-income individuals and families looking for affordable apartments and homes in Virginia Beach can utilize the Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation website to find up-to-date lists of available units in their affordability range. This organization offers Housing Choice Vouchers, a Family Self-Sufficiency program, Home Rehab programs, and Homeless Services.
The Virginia Housing Search Tool is also a useful, free resource for finding a home that fits applicants’ needs and budget. What’s great about this website is landlords can list their privately owned apartments or homes anytime, so the listings are always current. Additionally, landlords can list property amenities, and users can apply filters to include or exclude properties based on their search criteria to maximize their chances of finding matching results.
For some listings, you can even take a virtual tour by visiting the property or community website to get a better feel for the unit. It also has other programs that benefit citizens like Homeless Services, Veterans Housing, and Accessibility Grants.
Affordable Housing in Northern Virginia
As the home of the nation’s capital, northern Virginia is especially susceptible to rising costs of living.
The Arlington, VA website is a wonderful resource for low-income families, the elderly, and disabled persons to find and apply for affordable housing. Here, they can find a list of available committed affordable apartments, subscribe to the monthly email for updates on waitlist openings, access Housing Choice Voucher forms and income guidelines, and more!
Fairfax County also has a comprehensive website for applicants to utilize in their search for affordable housing in safe neighborhoods. With information on Rental Housing, Affordable Housing Waitlists, and upcoming Housing Developments, as well as additional resources for Emergency Housing and Senior Housing, interested persons can learn much about their options for affordable housing in Fairfax, VA.
How to Apply for Affordable Housing in Virginia
Eligibility for affordable housing is determined by the housing authority with which you apply. It is generally limited to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. If you meet these and other PHA-specific criteria, you can submit your application to be considered with the PHA of your choice. Or if the waitlist is closed, stay alert for when it will reopen for you to submit your application.
Prominent websites to apply through include Virginia Housing, City of Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation, Arlington, Virginia, and Fairfax County, Virginia.
Application Process Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Contact your local PHA.
Use the HUD website to find your local Public Housing Authority.
Step 2: Complete the Affordable Housing application.
Directly apply with the local PHA. Ensure all of your documentation, including identification, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, etc., is correct and current to avoid delays and rejection.
Step 3: Wait for your application to be processed.
It can take weeks or months for your application to get to the top of the waiting list if it’s accepted. Check your inbox and mailbox frequently for correspondence on your acceptance or rejection.
Step 4: Receive your Housing Choice Voucher or rental unit assignment.
Once you receive your Voucher, you can begin searching for housing. If you applied for Public Housing, once a unit that matches your criteria becomes available, you can begin the move-in process.Our Knowing More YouTube series also provides detailed information on How to Apply for Section 8, How to Apply for Project Based Vouchers, and How to Find Apartments That Accept Housing Vouchers.
Additional Resources
If you need housing assistance but don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program or Public Housing, there are alternatives provided by nonprofits and other organizations that may be able to assist you.
Check out these nonprofits for rental assistance programs:
Check out these organizations and programs for financial assistance options:
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Affordable Housing in Virginia
Facing housing insecurity can be scary, but there are many organizations, nonprofits, and federal programs that offer grants, assistance, and vouchers to help the people of Virginia find stable, affordable housing either by providing downpayment or rental assistance for a house or apartment or subsidizing rent. Don’t give up hope—we’re here to help! Take your time exploring the resources provided on this page and throughout the Navigate website to find the best option for you and your family.
