OCTOBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

The Office to Prevent and End Homelessness – now part of the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development – is committed to eliminating the disproportionality of people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness from communities of color and other marginalized populations by providing equitable paths to safe, stable, affordable housing.

COVID-19 UPDATES

Thanks to the ongoing dedication of numerous partners, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has continued to address the needs of those at risk of and experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Temporary Shelter Available During COVID-19: More than 900 people have transitioned into Quarantine, Protection, Isolation, and Decompression (QPID) Hotels since April 16th with locations operating across Fairfax County. The QPID Hotels are managed by several non-profit partners, including Cornerstones, FACETS, New Hope Housing, and Shelter House. Northern Virginia Family Service operates a Central Intake to triage referrals to the QPID Hotels.
   
• COVID-19: Federal Eviction Moratorium in Effect: On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a federal order to suspend certain residential evictions through December 31, 2020. The order cites the public health risks associated with COVID-19 and halts residential evictions for renters who meet eligibility criteria. Details of the moratorium are explained in a Frequently Asked Questions document posted online.
  
  The order does not halt evictions for other reasons such as illegal activity. This measure only delays eviction proceedings through December 31. Residents are still responsible for rent balances and any accrued fees. The order also does not prohibit landlords from charging fees or penalties for non-payment of rent.
  
  COVID-19: Rental Assistance
   
  • Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP): CSP remains the best resource for residents seeking assistance to help pay rent and utilities, securing housing, accessing food, obtaining prescriptions, and meeting other basic needs.
    Call 703-222-0880
    Monday thru Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    NOTE: CSP is experiencing a high volume of calls – especially on Mondays and Fridays. Callers should expect a wait of approximately 30 minutes, but help will be provided.
     
  • Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP): The RMRP provides financial assistance to renters and mortgage holders who meet the following criteria:
     
    • Have experienced a loss of income due to the Coronavirus pandemic
    • Have a valid lease or mortgage statement in their name or other documentation confirming the landlord-tenant relationship
    • Have a rent or mortgage amount at or below 150% Fair Market Rent
    • Have a gross household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) based on current month’s income
      Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) is administering the RMRP in Fairfax County. To apply, contact NVFS by phone at 804-404-8752 or via email to RMReliefProgram@nvfs.org.
       
  • Virginia Housing Resources: The Commonwealth of Virginia has a variety of housing information and resources available for renters, homeowners, landlords and more at www.StayHomeVirginia.com.
     
• Accessing Legal Advice
  
  The Department of Housing and Community Development cannot provide legal counsel to County residents. We encourage those in need of legal assistance to utilize the following resources:
   
  • Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV): LSNV provides free legal assistance in a wide variety of legal practice areas – including child advocacy, public benefits and housing. Call 703-778-6800 or visit www.lsnv.org for assistance.
     
  • Virginia Legal Aid: Are you in need of legal assistance? www.VaLegalAid.org offers qualifying residents access to a network of legal professionals offering a variety of legal services in numerous practice area. If you have questions about eligibility, please call 1-866-534-5243.

Thank you to the many providers that are serving people in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each and every one of you are sincerely appreciated.

PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

• Hypothermia Prevention Program: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency ordinance authorizing the establishment of several county-operated temporary hypothermia prevention shelters to serve individuals experiencing homelessness during the harsh winter months ahead. The measure ensures the necessary resources are in place to provide safe, warm locations for the County’s most vulnerable residents to seek shelter from the cold between December 2020 and March 2021.
   
• 2020 HUD Continuum of Care Competition: The new Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, revealed on September 28, includes language (Section 301) that would cancel the 2020 HUD Continuum of Care Competition and renew existing projects. The bill was passed by the House on October 1 and is in negotiations.
   
• Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check): The deadline to file for an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) among people who don't file taxes has been extended to November 21, 2020. People experiencing homelessness who don't file taxes, and have not yet received their payment, may have a stimulus check waiting for them.
   
• Expanding the Toolbox: The Whole-of-Government Response to End Homelessness: The United States Interagency Council to End Homelessness (USICH) has released its strategic plan to end homeless. Ten national homelessness and housing organizations issued a joint response.

DATA SPOTLIGHT

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated racial inequity across the country. People experiencing homelessness are among those most affected by both the pandemic and the long-standing and compounding impacts of structural racism. NIS’s Center for Housing Justice, through the Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response project, undertook a series of focus groups with people with current and past experiences of homelessness to better understand these compound impacts and the implications they have for policy and service priorities. From these listening sessions, NIS produced the following series of population-specific briefs to summarize the ideas and recommendations of individuals from ten historically-marginalized communities.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Please register for the following trainings if you have an interest in attending. By registering, we will be able to inform you of any adjustments or cancelations due to COVID-19.

• Customer Service with De-escalation Techniques - 10:00a (Webinar)
  November 9th | 10:00a
  Fairfax County CoC
   
• Customer Service with De-escalation Techniques - 1:00p (Webinar)
  November 9th | 1:00p
  Fairfax County CoC
   
• Overview of the Virginia Fair Housing Law (In Person)
  November 18th | 10:00a
  Rehearsal Hall at the Jefferson Center
  541 Luck Ave SW, Ste 221 Roanoke, VA 24016
   
• Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference (Conference – cost associated)
  November 18th – 20th
  Registration ends November 13th  
   
• HUD Exchange Resources
  • Engaging Clients with Remote Case Management
  • Rehousing Out of Non-congregate Shelter: Maximizing Placements
  • Framework for Enhancing Safety in Your Homeless Response System
  • Shallow Rental Subsidies