Are you looking for affordable housing options in Alexandria, Virginia? If so, you're in luck! There are a variety of programs and initiatives available to help low-income households find safe and comfortable housing. The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) is the main provider of public housing in the city. They manage the federal housing choice voucher program (formerly known as the Section 8 program) and have remodeled 15 existing public housing units at Ramsey Homes into a four-story, 52-unit mixed-income community. In addition, they have refinanced and renovated Lynhaven Apartments, one of three Virginia success stories listed in the annual report of the National Low-Income Housing Coalition.
Before applying for an income-restricted apartment, it's important to contact your local public housing agency (PHA) to make sure you qualify for Section 8 housing in Alexandria. The project is the second in the city to combine the density of bonuses for affordable housing (Section 7-700) and for the arts (Section 6-900). In accordance with the recommendation of the Master Housing Plan to increase contributions to population density above the density foreseen in the underlying plan for small areas, the project will provide 12 rental units removed from land within reach of households with incomes equivalent to 50% of the AMI. The properties were later transferred to the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC).Section 8 housing is often more difficult to find than other affordable housing programs, as properties must meet certain requirements to qualify for the program, and not all properties accept Section 8 vouchers.
Located less than half a mile from the Braddock Road subway station, the project is consistent with the Housing Master Plan's recommendation to concentrate affordable housing efforts in areas close to traffic and with the greatest potential for higher-density, mixed-use development. Rental assistance is a type of housing subsidy that covers a portion of the tenant's monthly housing expenses, including rent and utilities paid by the tenant. This housing assistance can consist of Section 8 housing choice vouchers, project-based Section 8 contracts, public housing, USDA rental assistance (on Section 515 properties), and HUD Section 202 and 811 properties for nursing and disabled homes. Wesley's acquisition of Parc Square ensures that rents do not exceed 60% of the average income of the area awaiting redevelopment, when Wesley expects to introduce an affordability range of less than 60% of the AMI, in accordance with the housing needs identified in the community. Some can participate in the Low-Income Housing Credit Program, or in Section 42, while others can accept vouchers through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, or the City Council also approved a Section 8 special use permit, and the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) approved a tax application.
In addition, 10 of the units will serve as permanent supportive housing, with very affordable rents and case management services to help shelter residents make the transition to permanent housing. Rental assistance programs support 3,781 low-income homes in Alexandria where households pay rent based on what they earn. With so many options available, there are plenty of ways to find safe and affordable housing in Alexandria.
