For the first time in more than a decade, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will be opening its Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist (formerly Public Housing) for a period of two weeks.

RAD is comprised of 1,060 zero to four bedroom affordable apartments and townhouses owned and operated by the FCRHA. These units provide safe, affordable housing options to low-income households in Fairfax County.

Anytime starting July 10 at 8:00 a.m. through July 23 at 11:59 p.m., applicants can apply to be added to the RAD housing waitlist. Unlike previous waitlist openings, only about 2,000 households will be selected from the application pool via a computer generated random selection for the list. It is estimated that the 2,000 households added to the waitlist will be a two to three year supply of potential participants.

“With the cost of living and rental prices steadily increasing, many families in and around Fairfax County are unable to find affordable places to live,” notes Robert Schwaninger, Chairman of the FCRHA. “We are grateful that after more than 10 years, we are able to reopen the waitlist under this program and help more families have an affordable place to call home.” The last time the waiting list opened was in 2007.

Applications will only be available online. Applicants can use a computer, tablet or smart phone to complete the application. In addition, the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has identified various locations with publicly-accessible computers for use by individuals without personal Internet access. HCD will have trained staff onsite at various times to assist applicants as needed.

For more information on the RAD waitlist opening and to view locations with publicly-accessible computers, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/waitlist.