Housing
How Kamala Harris’ new policy plan could impact housing in Virginia
Virginia Democratic lawmakers praised Vice President Kamala Harris’ housing policy plans in a virtual call Wednesday afternoon. The gathering came on the heels of a new campaign ad highlighting Harris’ plan to build three million new homes and rental units if elected president. The plan is part of a proposal she unveiled ahead of the […]
Eviction Defense Center pop-ups hosted around Richmond as pilot program
Richmond residents facing eviction might find walk-in hours at their local library helpful to get a refresher on their rights and tips on navigating the legal process. The Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) has partnered with the Richmond Public Library to host in-person assistance hours at three locations each week. In addition to the in-person […]
A look at how federal plans could make the costs of housing more affordable
As renters and would-be homeowners struggle with the high cost of housing, the Biden administration has announced policies to address this strain on household budgets. That includes $100 million in funding for a program to incentivize affordable housing production and streamlining loan application processes to expedite building more housing. Some of those proposals — such […]
Could this right-to-counsel program for evictions become a statewide model?
While the sense of what makes a place a home can be strong, Jana Hobbs knows how fragile the ability to remain in a home can be. From a transient childhood to a portion of her younger adulthood spent unhoused and on drugs, to coping with mental health issues, Hobbs has had to overcome obstacles […]
More resources needed to help older Virginians facing homelessness
As we age, we face a myriad of new challenges. For a growing sector of older Americans, housing instability and homelessness is a daunting challenge they must now navigate. The reality across Virginia – and the nation – is that the number of seniors experiencing homelessness is on the rise. In Virginia, data from Point […]
These new housing laws will take effect next month
Manufactured homes, mobile homes, trailers — whatever they’re referred to as, this type of housing has offered tenants an affordable option to become homeowners. But they haven’t offered as much stability. That’s where Virginia lawmakers have passed some laws to help neighbors around the state have a little more peace of mind. For example, should […]
Black woman’s bid to buy Virginia Beach home faces illegal barrier, echoes of the past
People who overstate the racial progress America has witnessed over the past several decades need to be reminded, ever so often, of the discrimination that still lurks in housing, education, employment and the like. An African-American woman’s quest to buy a pricey condo near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront – impeded by the white homeowner’s refusal […]
‘Not a level playing field.’ New report highlights home value disparity for Black Richmonders
A new report highlights how neighborhoods in Richmond have lost portions of their Black residents over the past decade. Richmond Councilwoman Ellen Robertson, who represents the sixth district, commissioned the report from Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME). It shows how Richmond’s home values correlate with the racial composition of neighborhoods; houses in areas with 30% […]
Workgroup, lawmakers fine-tuning accessory dwelling unit proposal
Garage-turned-apartments, carriage houses, in-law suites — all are accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Whatever they’re called, ADUs are seen by some as a fix to affordable housing options or a way to meet the needs of specific families. But the versatile form of housing isn’t always encouraged by locals or officials and little regulatory guidance exists […]
Housing boom in most of the US could ease shortage, but cost is still a problem
Read more Stateline coverage of how communities across the country are trying to create more affordable housing. The United States has added almost 5 million housing units since 2020, most heavily in the South and most of them single-family homes, making a housing shortage look conquerable in much of the nation. Of those, Virginia added 99,435 housing units from 2020 […]
Anxiety over squatters, fueled by TikTok, inspires a wave of legislation
Across various news channels and outlets, a visceral fear of some property owners — that an unwanted guest could move into their vacant home, refuse to leave, and then claim ownership — has been a trending story. These squatter horror stories have reached a fever pitch in the past month after a migrant TikTok influencer, […]
Too many cubicles, too few homes spur incentives to convert offices to housing
Read more Stateline coverage of how communities across the country are trying to create more affordable housing. HERNDON, Va. — Juan Ramirez, watching his dog play in Chandon Park here in suburban Virginia on a Saturday morning, tries to imagine the massive office buildings next to the park becoming apartments and townhouses. “I guess it’s inevitable. People don’t […]