Bridging Affordability
Blueprint Goals:
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To end homelessness in 10 years;
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To reduce the waiting lists for affordable housing by half in 10 years;
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To provide affordable housing options to those with special
needs.
Description
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Fairfax County will provide local funding to harness the creative power
of non-profit organizations to better meet the affordable housing needs
of homeless families and individuals, those at-risk of homelessness,
persons with extremely low incomes (30 percent of the Area Median
Income (AMI) and below), persons with disabilities and low-income
seniors.
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The goal of this investment is to establish and sustain innovative
solutions which provide our most in-need citizens with a “bridge” to
stable housing, greater self sufficiency and coordinated services to
promote recovery.
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Funds will be competitively awarded to programs that provide solutions
such as:
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Long-term, project-based rental subsidies: Subsidies
to “buy-down” the rents of market and/or non-profit/FCRHA-owned
rental units in order to make them more affordable to extremely
low-income individuals/households.
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Acquisition of housing units: Similar to the approach
taken with Fairfax County’s federal NSP funds, non-profits could
use funds to purchase affordable units that would remain
permanently affordable to extremely low-income or disabled
households. A strong preference could be given to
organizations focusing on acquiring units for use as supportive
shared housing.
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Short-term emergency direct subsidies: Direct
assistance to income-qualified individuals/households who may face
eviction due to financial issues beyond their control.
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Fairfax County could also consider establishing a pilot program to
provide emergency “bridge” assistance to County employees who may be
facing foreclosure.
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Priority will be given to proposals that leverage private/federal/state
funding; involve the community; provide a bridge to self-sufficiency;
link services; and demonstrate creativity.
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Priority will be given to programs that address those on the waiting
lists for shelters, FCRHA housing or the CSB waiting list as well as
existing shelter residents.
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Approximately 10 percent of those served by the proposed “Bridging
Affordability” funds aimed at reducing the county’s waiting lists would
be expected to be eligible for CSB services. This is in addition
to “Bridging Affordability” funds specifically targeting homeless
individuals and families.
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Awardees would have three years to spend the funds.
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This program will require an on-going commitment by the Board of
Supervisors.
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