City: Eviction Prevention Task Force Will Help Impacted Residents

Alexandria has formed a multi-agency Eviction Prevention Task Force with the goal of lowering evictions and helping impacted residents.

“There have been nearly 20K unemployment claims in Alexandria since the beginning of the pandemic,” tweeted Mayor Justin Wilson. “Keeping our residents housed during this uniquely challenging time has required partnership and new collaboration. More work is required.”

According to the city, the Task Force is made up of representatives from the Department of Community & Human Services, the Office of Housing, the City Attorney’s Office, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and community partners from Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Christ Church and emergency financial providers.

“The task force is collecting and sharing data and working to understand the local eviction landscape; identifying and resolving gaps in eviction prevention services; and engaging stakeholders to address this crisis,” according to the city. “The group is also seeking input from and collaboration with owners of rental properties. To submit input or inquire about opportunities to collaborate, email [email protected]”

Throughout the spring and summer, residents facing eviction protested around the city. But last month, the Supreme Court of Virginia did not extend the moratorium on eviction proceedings.

Last month, the city announced a second round of emergency one-time payment of $1,800 to households from Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds.

The City also list the following resources for residents:

HELP WITH RENT PAYMENTS

• COVID-19 Emergency Rent Relief Assistance Program. If you can’t pay your full rent due to COVID-19 related loss of income, you may be eligible for a one time payment of up to $1,800. City Council has authorized a second payment of up to $1,800 for those households already assisted. The City is continuing to accept applications for a new rent relief program. To learn about the program and eligibility criteria, visit the COVID-19 Emergency Rent Relief Assistance Program. Apply for assistance online or by calling the Office of Housing at 703.746.3100 during city business hours. Please call 703.746.4990 if you would like a hard copy of the application or have further questions. No application fee.
• Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program. The Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP) is designed to support housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing financial assistance, rent or mortgage payments for eligible households. This includes payments past due beginning April 1, 2020. Financial assistance is a one-time payment with opportunity for renewal based on availability of funding and the household’s need for additional assistance and continued eligibility. Learn more about eligibility and documentation requirements | Spanish | Amharic | Arabic. To conduct a self-assessment for eligibility, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/eligibility.  To apply in the City of Alexandria, call the DCHS Office of Community Services at 703.746.5700.
• OCS Rental Assistance Program. The Office of Community Services (OCS) provides rental assistance to eligible, low-income persons facing a housing crisis.  The goal is to help stabilize the household and to prevent the household from becoming homeless.  To request any OCS services, please call the DCHS Customer Call Center at 703.746.5700 for an assessment.

There have been nearly 20K unemployment claims in Alexandria since the beginning of the pandemic.

Keeping our residents housed during this uniquely challenging time has required partnership and new collaboration.

More work is required. https://t.co/Z5eVAHodFB

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) October 9, 2020