Summary of Housing Programs
Community Development Block Grant
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing & Community Resource Center
RPJ Housing “Rehab Program”
Spot Blight Abatement
Community Development Block Grant
Purpose: The primary objective of the CDBG Program is the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.
Serves: City Residents
Description: Funds must be used to carry out activities that will meet one of the three broad National Objectives: benefit low and moderate income persons; aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or meet other community development needs having a particular urgency. At least 70 percent of the total CDBG funds expended must be used for activities that benefit low and moderate income persons, over a one-year period.
Contact Person: Craig Smith
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Housing Choice Voucher Program
Description: The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program
for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to
afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since
housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual,
participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family
homes, townhouses and apartments.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.
The PHA calculates the maximum amount of housing assistance allowable. The
maximum housing assistance is generally the lesser of the payment standard
minus 30% of the family's monthly adjusted income or the gross rent for the
unit minus 30% of monthly adjusted income
If you are a landlord who is interested in the Housing Choice Voucher Program you may access the following website for more information: hud.gov
Serves: The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a City of Winchester program. The
Virginia Housing Development Authority contracts with the City to administer
this program. We serve City of Winchester, Frederick County and Clarke
County residents. Applicants are selected in order of date and time of
application by preference. Please contact the office to get more information
on the City of Winchester's Waiting List Selection Process.
Contact Persons:
(Last name A-J) Jean Ford
(Last name K-Z) Sherry Richards
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Housing & Community Resource Center
Purpose: The Resource Center Serves two major functions: office and meeting space for community organizations, and a resource library for best practices and community problem solving techniques. In addition, The HCRC will serve as a forum for the exchange of new ideas through trainings, workshops, and roundtables.
Serves: All non-profits and/or City residents
Description: In March 2006, First Bank of Winchester awarded funding to our office to assist in the creation of the Housing and Community Resource Center. These funds have been used to purchase office equipment and training materials for area citizens and nonprofits interested in housing and neighborhood issues. Materials in the Resource Center are available to the public to review and check out.
Contact Person: Pamela Beamer
RPJ Housing “Rehab Program”
Purpose: To ensure that homeowners and household members are able to live safely and independently in their homes.
Serves: Any eligible individual living and owning a home in City limits
Description: The City of Winchester offers a variety of home repair services to low and moderate income owners of single-family houses. These repair services may help maintain the health and safety of the occupants. Eligible repairs may also be those that preserve the dwelling or conserve energy to reduce heating costs through weatherization.
Contact Person:Winston Foley
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Spot Blight Abatement
Purpose: To address properties in neighborhoods throughout the City in need of repairs or more extensive attention to remove blighting influences.
Serves: All properties located within City limits
Description: City code states that a “blighted property” is one that “endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and safety standards…” The Spot Blight Abatement program identifies condemned, vacant or unsafe properties which can be rehabilitated or refurbished in order to improve neighborhood safety.
Contact Persons: Craig Smith