Friday, May 9, 2008
Ending Homelessness Update:
Changes to Housing Policies Approved
To help Fairfax County further the goal of ending homelessness, on May 1, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) approved changes to the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, and Fairfax County Rental Program’s Administrative Plan and Admission and Occupancy policies. Effective immediately, applicants with incomes below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) will be assumed to meet the rent burden requirement. The requirement is in place to ensure that highest priority is given to applicants paying more than 30% of household income on rent and utilities. The new policy will make it easier for those in temporary housing to be able to more quickly be placed in assisted housing. The income limits are:
Household Size |
Maximum Household Income Limits Very Low |
1 |
$34,450 |
2 |
39,350 |
3 |
44,300 |
4 |
49,200 |
5 |
53,150 |
6 |
57,050 |
7 |
61,000 |
8+ |
64,950 |
This policy change will not apply to those households already being served in a federal or local housing program. This will allow the FCRHA to better serve homeless individuals or families as well as individuals living in overcrowded residences. Please note, this is a one-year pilot program.
The FCRHA also approved allowing participants in approved Transitional Housing programs and Health-Danger situations onto the special priority waiting lists even when the regular waiting list is closed to the general public. All Transitional Housing referrals will continue to be screened by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services prior to referral to HCD.
