ANNUAL
REPORT
PA RT N E R S H I P FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY PHARVA.COM JANUARY 2021
D irector ’ s L etter By Jovan Burton
On January 15th, 2020, the Partnership for Housing Affordability launched the Richmond Regional Housing Framework to collaboratively address the region’s housing challenges for years to come. Shortly after, the onset of COVID-19 ushered in swift changes and a future fraught with uncertainty. Despite this, housing remained an unchanging need. And though none of us could have predicted a pandemic, the Framework was structured in a way that enabled us to shift gears and adapt to the new landscape. Our partners were able to navigate crisis response while still laying the groundwork for long-term housing policy, leading to commendable accomplishments and optimism for the year to come. This report demonstrates our region’s resilience and collective belief in achieving the Framework’s vision of everyone in the Richmond region having a stable, healthy, and affordable place to call home.
Outreach The Framework was presented to 37 different groups, ranging from governing bodies and nonprofits to civic associations and young professional networks.
37
Presentations
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946
Community Partners
5
Jurisdictions
I mplementation P rogress
ACCOMPLISHED SOLUTIONS (3)
SOLUTIONS IN PROGRESS (20)
NO PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
SUCCESS
There has been no measurable activity or housing production related to the solution during the previous year. In cases where no progress has been made, PHA will determine causes and suggest possible changes in strategy.
Tangible work is underway on the solution and may be reflected in housing production, policy implementation or related activity. For strategies where progress is underway, PHA may suggest timetables and identify challenges to be addressed.
Solutions appear in this category if they have been completed or, in the case of an ongoing strategy, if the level of production or activity is high and in line with the goal.
GOAL 1: INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING IN THE REGION SOLUTION 1-A: Increase the amount of land zoned for multi-family development STATUS: PHA worked with Chesterfield to identify 2 commercial shopping centers that would be prime candidates for redevelopment as mixed-use sites. Revitalizing Chesterfield’s aging shopping centers would increase the region’s housing supply and serve as a model for corridor redevelopment. NEXT STEPS: During 2021, Chesterfield and PHA will work together on removing zoning obstacles and creating incentives to lay the groundwork for acquisition and development of target shopping centers.
*For a complete list of all solutions in progress and the actions being taken for each solution, please visit pharva.com/framework/progress.
GOAL 2: SUPPORT RACIALLY INCLUSIVE WEALTH CREATION BY INCREASING HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS SOLUTION 2-B: Create a regional center for homeownership that is a one-stop resource hub STATUS: PHA launched the Housing Resource Line (HRL) on September 1 to be a centralized access point to connect residents with housing services and resources. Since its launch, the HRL has fielded calls from nearly 2,300 residents.
HRL BY THE NUMBERS
2,315
Calls from residents in the Richmond region
$90,000+ Financial assistance residents connected to
$16,399 Average annual income
14
Average minutes per call
7,638 Referrals made to partner agencies
$813
Average monthly house payment
CALL DATA
*For a complete list of all solutions in progress and the actions being taken for each solution, please visit pharva.com/framework/progress.
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SOLUTION 2-A : Support and expand the community land trust homeownership model STATUS: The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust developed 30 homes for low-to-moderate income homebuyers, partnering with Chesterfield, Henrico, and the City of Richmond in addition to project:HOMES and Richmond Metropolitan Habitat.
GOAL 4: IMPROVE HOUSING QUALITY AND ENSURE BETTER HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR RESIDENTS SOLUTION 4-C: Revitalize manufactured home communities and replace poor quality homes
BEST PRACTICE
Project:HOMES purchased the Bermuda Estates Manufactured Housing community, located in Chesterfield County, in September of 2020. In the coming years, project:HOMES will work to replace the current units with sustainable, affordable, and high-quality units for the park residents. Plans include sewage and water system upgrades, road repairs, and even a community space for families to enjoy. This model was recommended as a priority in the Framework and the work of project: HOMES in Bermuda Estates represents the values of innovation, opportunity, quality, and equity. 05 | ANNUAL REPORT
COVID-19 C risis R esponse
Amid the coronavirus health crisis, PHA helped to select Area Congregations Together in Service (ACTS) to distribute emergency rental assistance to residents impacted by the pandemic. This decision was critical, as it enabled a single entity to disseminate funds from the state while also disbursing funds from philanthropic and local partners. The rapid response from philanthropy and local governments to provide an unprecedented amount of resources for rental assistance is an illustration of regionalism in action.
GOAL 5: EXPAND HOUSING STABILITY AND STOP DISPLACEMENT SOLUTION 5-G: Increase regional funding for housing stability STATUS: In total, local and regional partners raised $8,666,450 for rental, mortgage, and utility assistance, ensuring that residents could remain stably housed.
$4,016,023 distributed for rental assistance
$2,285 distributed for mortgage relief
$58,090 distributed for utility assistan ce
Contributing partners include: Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc., Bon Secours, Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, Chesterfield County, the City of Richmond, and The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond.
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GOAL 6: EXPAND HOUSING CHOICES FOR MODERATE AND LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS SOLUTION 6-A: Begin an awareness campaign to demonstrate the importance and value of affordable housing STATUS: In order to generate support for the work of our partners and to elevate the voices of community residents, PHA created Housing Matters RVA, which is a campaign to enable supporters to stay updated on housing policies and to voice their support to elected officials. Individuals, groups, and organizations can participate by signing the “Housing Pledge� and contacting elected officials to demonstrate their support for housing policy.
NEXT STEPS: PHA will continue to expand Housing Matters RVA in the coming year to build support for policies that will create greater opportunity through housing for the Richmond region. Through this campaign, we can help firmly establish housing as a public policy priority. 07 | ANNUAL REPORT
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS WHO MADE THESE EFFORTS POSSIBLE. Atlantic Union Bank Bank of America Bob & Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation Bon Secours Richmond Capital One Chesterfield County City of Richmond Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Dominion Energy Genworth Hanover County
Henrico County Mary Morton Parsons Foundation PlanRVA Richmond Association of Realtors Richmond Memorial Health Foundation Robins Foundation Truist Town of Ashland Virginia Housing Virginia Realtors Wells Fargo