Understanding Virginia’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and Its Benefits
Overview of the Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP)
The Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP) provides financial aid for rent payments, including past-due rent, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability and household needs. This assistance is non-repayable.
Key Features of RRP
- Available to both tenants and landlords through a single application process.
- Support is accessible via the RRP Support Center at 1-833-RENT-RELIEF (1-833-736-8735).
- Applications can be monitored through Gov2Go or by contacting the Support Center.
- Emergency eviction assistance is available by calling 1-833-NOEvict (1-833-663-8428) or visiting evictionhelpline.org.
Important Deadlines
New applications were no longer accepted as of May 15, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Applications submitted before this date will be processed based on priority criteria, such as:
- Household income below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- At least one household member unemployed for 90 days prior to application.
As of March 31, 2022, the program had delivered nearly $713 million in rent relief to over 141,330 households statewide.
Prioritization Criteria
The RRP focuses on serving economically disadvantaged communities and ensuring equitable rent assistance distribution:
- Priority for households at risk of eviction, earning ≤ 50% of AMI, or with prolonged unemployment.
- By July 2021, over 79% of households served earned ≤ 30% of AMI, and 67% had children under eight.
- Efforts to assist minority-led households: 52% of beneficiaries were black-led households, compared to 23% white-led households.
Local Initiatives in Chesterfield and Fairfax Counties
Chesterfield and Fairfax Counties operate unique rent relief programs tailored to their communities. Notable details include:
- Chesterfield County: Managed by ACTS, the program has paused new applications but continues distributing available funds. Contact the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services for updates.
- Fairfax County: Implements its distinct emergency rental assistance programs; residents should reach out to local authorities for information.
Resources and Outreach
The RRP Outreach and Engagement grant aims to help households and landlords with limited internet access or language barriers. Resources include:
If You Are in Danger of Being Evicted
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get the help and resources you need to protect your home and rights. The Eviction Defense Center is here to support you every step of the way.
Angela Silva, a dedicated 42-year-old consultant specializing in government housing and rental assistance, hails from Sydney, Australia. She completed her education with a degree in Urban Planning from the University of New South Wales. Angela’s career has been marked by her relentless advocacy for affordable housing solutions, where she has worked extensively with both local governments and international agencies in Asia-Pacific regions. Her initiatives have led to the development of sustainable housing projects that cater to low-income families. Outside of her professional environment, Angela enjoys a peaceful life with her partner and their two adopted dogs, engaging in community gardening and urban sustainability projects.