Published in Virginia Business
Nearly $95 million in federal funding has been earmarked for affordable housing in Virginia, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner, D-Virginia, and Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, announced Friday.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through four grant programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.
“We are very glad to see nearly $95 million dollars go towards supporting access to affordable housing for folks with the highest need in localities throughout Virginia,” Warner and Kaine said in a statement. “We will continue fighting for grant opportunities that help promote accessible housing in the commonwealth, including the Community Development Block Grant Program, which the president has proposed eliminating in next year’s budget.”
What does this mean for Fairfax County?
Of the earmarked funding, The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is expecting to have access to more than $8 million. To prepare for the disbursement of these funds, the county has prepared a One-Year Action Plan. The plan was generated with considerable community engagement and outlines goals and objectives for using the federal dollars:
Acquire and preserve affordable housing for special needs and other income eligible households
Fund housing program administrative costs and fair housing activities
To Fund public services and rent subsidies, including activities to be funded through the Consolidated Community funding Pool for FY 2021 and assistance for households experiencing homelessness
Fairfax County is currently seeking public comment on the draft One-Year Action Plan. CLICK HERE to access the draft plan and submit your comments.