The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the award of $8.9 million in federal funding to Fairfax County to support the development and preservation of affordable housing as well as supportive programs and services to help individuals obtain housing and remain housed. The announced funding is provided through three separate programs:

• $5.9 million from the Community Development Block Grant, which can be used for housing construction, affordable rental housing, homeowner assistance, community infrastructure development, and targeted public services
• $2.5 million from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which supports partnerships with nonprofits to provide affordable housing and direct rental assistance to low-income individuals
• $515,135 from the Emergency Solutions Grant program, which funds emergency shelters, services for people experiencing homelessness, and homelessness prevention programs

“These federal funds are critical towards achieving our housing goals by leveraging millions of dollars in additional local and state funding, along with private developer capital, to advance the development, acquisition, and preservation of affordable housing,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “With this money we advance housing opportunities for veterans and their families, provide supportive housing for those with special needs, enable older adults to age in place, and much more. Fairfax County is working every single day to ensure that everyone here access to a safe, secure, and affordable home.”

The Fairfax County Consolidated Plan – updated every five years – and an annual One-Year Action Plan work together to identify the county’s housing and community development goals and provide specific actions to address critical areas of need using federal funds. These plans are developed with input from community leaders, service providers, advocates, community partners, and residents. The FY 2023 One-Year Action Plan will provide guidelines for how these HUD funds will be utilized. A draft of the FY 2023 One-Year Action Plan is available online and is expected to be presented to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in June for adoption.