Serving the cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach as well as the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton, this program is designed to prevent persons from becoming homeless.  The emphasis is on prevention, intervening before the eviction occurs and developing a plan for future stability. 
People residing in one of the above cities or counties and facing a housing crisis such as eviction or living in condemned housing may be eligible for the program.
Clients accepted into the program may receive financial assistance for rental or mortgage arrearages.  Other types of financial assistance may also be available depending on the circumstances.  Every applicant receives financial counseling and works toward housing stabilization together with the Housing Counselor.

To be eligible:

• The household must be at risk of losing its housing and meet BOTH of the following criteria:
• No appropriate subsequent housing options have been identified; AND
• The household currently lacks the financial resources and support networks needed to obtain immediate housing or remain in their existing housing.
• Housing costs (including rent and utilities) are within Fair Market Rent as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Household income must meet low-income guidelines (50% Area Median Income)
• The household would be homeless if but for this assistance

Applications for the Homeless Prevention Program are done by referral from the following agencies, listed below by city of residence:
Virginia Beach – Connection Point (227-5932)
Norfolk – Homeless Hotline (622-5920)
Southampton / Franklin – Southampton or Franklin Department of Human Services
Suffolk – Suffolk Department of Human Services
Portsmouth – Portsmouth Department of Human Services
Chesapeake – Homeless Hotline (622-5920)

Once a completed referral form is received the client will be contacted by a Virginia Certified Housing Counselor to further verify the crisis and other eligibility information and set the first appointment.  Due to the limited availability of program funds, referrals are limited each month. Therefore, it is possible that you may not qualify for a referral to the Homeless Prevention Program.
If you are in critical need of financial assistance to prevent an eviction, or if you are currently homeless, please call 2-1-1 (a free information and referral line) where an Information Specialist can provide useful information and resources.

Related Websites:

2-1-1 Information and Referral Line

Norfolk Homeless Hotline (Norfolk Residents)  757-622-5920
Connection Point (Virginia Beach Residents)   757-227-5932

Resources

How to Live Economically 2011

Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act

Affordable Housing:

Virginia Housing Search  

For subsidized housing programs, please contact:

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Virginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation

Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority  
         
Financial Education:

The UP Center