Post Content

Alexandria Dedicates $671K in CARES Act Funds to Rent Assistance

The City Council voted on Saturday to direct $671,570 in federal funding to provide rent assistance for low-income families in Alexandria.

The catch, however, is that this funding will be used for rental assistance only for those living in the city’s assisted housing developments, like those managed by Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and including non-profits and set-aside affordable units the city received through the development process.

The $671,570 comes from the recently approved CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. The funding includes $1.1 million in block grants and $585,127 in Home Investment Partnership Program funds.

“Our allocation of regular federal funds this year will be over 1.6 million, the bulk used by housing to support the multifamily rental development program and our home rehab loan program, both targeted to help very low and low-income families,” said Helen McIlvaine, director of the Office of Housing.

McIlvaine said the CARES Act funding will allow the Office of Housing to make payments up to $500 per month on behalf of tenants in low-income housing to landlords. The funding will help an estimated 450 households, she said.

“We feel that this is impactful for future rent repayment burdens when their situation may still be perilous,” McIlvaine said. “We also hope to be able to deploy the money quickly. If we do, we think we would be well-positioned for future grant funds.”

McIlvaine added that the funds do not have any strings attached related to the beneficiary’s legal status, meaning they will be available to residents regardless of their documentation.

There was some worry on the City Council after the PPP loans ran dry, as concerns rose that the same might happen for affordable housing funds.

“I know these are two different pots of money, but we’ve just seen the small businesses run out of money in two weeks,” Councilwoman Amy Jackson said. “That was $350 billion. What do you think the odds are that we will get all of the money we’re asking for and be able to sustain that into the fall? Do we have a plan B?”

McIlvaine said the current $671,570 is already in the pipeline and that the funding should be available within the next 30-45 days, after which the Office of Housing will begin providing assistance. In many cases, McIlvaine said it will just be enough to operate a unit and keep the lights going over the period when rents might not be paid.

“It’s not all we need,” McIlvaine warned, “but it’s a start.”

Staff photo by Vernon Miles

Recent Stories

Updated 6:25 p.m. — The Potomac Yard arena won’t be moving forward. The City of Alexandria just announced that the city is ending negotiations related to the Potomac Yard Entertainment…

Alexandria is going all out this year for its sweet 275, and it doesn’t look a day over 200. The anniversary is in July, marking 275 since the city was…

Alexandria City Manager Jim Parajon is asking City Council to increase penalties for late personal property tax payments. The news comes as City Council considers a real estate tax increase…

Have you been searching for a sweet furry companion? Meet Toby, a 5-year-old tabby who is the definition of sweet and available for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of…

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

ShawnMikael[s] and Friends

For their first show at the hallowed Galatic Panther in Old Town Alexandria, ShawnMikael[s] is inviting a bevy of brilliantly funny and field-tested stand-up and improv talent, including some veteran improv performers who were part of this year’s winning team

Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala & Auction

Do good while having a good time at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Gala and Auction at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The fun begins with a 2-hour open bar reception while mingling with 499 other Alexandrians who

×

Subscribe to our mailing list