Homeless Prevention

 
 

Please note: For all programs, eligibility does not guarantee access. Demand exceeds available funds and capacity. click any underlined term for definitions.

What does Homeless Prevention do? It provides financial assistance for housing costs (up to $3,500) for people who are going to lose their rental unit within 14 days and for whom no other resources are available.

What are the limitations of Homeless Prevention? It does not prevent eviction proceedings and does not provide case management or help finding housing. It cannot assist with mortgage payments. There are additional limitations on Homeless Prevention use for people who have housing vouchers or rental subsidies. Community need is at least twice as great as capacity.

Who is eligible for Homeless Prevention?

  • You are currently housed in a rental unit.

  • Your household income is at or below 30% Area Median Income (AMI) for your household size.

  • You must be within 14 days of losing your housing (the majority of people eligible for Homeless Prevention have been to court for their eviction and the judge found in favor of their landlord).

  • The rent for your unit is at or below Fair Market Rent for our community.

  • You have a lease and your landlord is willing to provide a written guarantee that if you receive Homeless Prevention funds, and stay current on rental payments going forward, that you will be allowed to retain occupancy of your unit for the duration of your current lease.

  • Your unit is located in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, Fluvanna or Nelson County.

  • You have not received Homeless Prevention funds in the last six months.

What are expenses that Homeless Prevention can cover?

  • Rental and/or utility arrears in your current unit that do not exceed $3,500.

  • Deposit and/or first month’s rent in a different unit that does not exceed $3,500.

Who decides how Homeless Prevention funds are awarded? The Haven Housing Department makes these decisions once eligibility and availability of funds have been determined.

What is the first step in the Homeless Prevention process? Call the Homeless Information Line at 434-207-2328 and leave a message for the HIL Operator.

Download a printable version of this information for Haven Housing Programs and the Homeless Information Line process.