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State lawmakers want to create a new rent relief program, but it comes with a hefty price tag

Mallory Noe-Payne
/
Radio IQ

Members of the General Assembly are about to start trying to balance the books, and they are hearing from interest groups seeking money. One group is asking for help addressing housing insecurity.

The housing crisis is red hot, even when the temperatures drop below freezing and many families are out on the streets.

"We are at an all-time high of seeing students who are experiencing housing crisis in our communities," says Delegate Carrie Coyner, a Republican from Chesterfield County. "And I think as you look at delegates and senators hearing from people, this is a top issue, housing; we are in a crisis, and everyone’s hearing about it."

That's why she's supporting a statewide rent relief program called 5,000 Families, introducing legislation to offer rent relief to low-income families with school-aged children to keep those families in their current home or find a more stable, permanent home of their choice.

"We get calls from constituents in my office frequently seeking and asking for assistance to find an affordable home or stay in their current home," explains Delegate Briana Sewell, a Democrat from Prince William County. "And in fact, we have already received calls from folks who are seeking access on how they can apply for the 5,000 Families program."

The price tag: $80 million. Advocates acknowledge that'll be a difficult amount to secure, but they also say the program will offer long-term savings by reducing learning loss and cutting down on teacher turnover.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Michael Pope is an author and journalist who lives in Old Town Alexandria.