The FWD #SE7
242 Words
via Partnership for Housing Affordability
A New Resource for Housing Questions and Needs
Housing needs can be complicated and getting connected to the right expert or service provider can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. That’s why the Partnership for Housing Affordability (PHA), based in Richmond, launched the Housing Resource Line. This new service is a coordinated point of entry to connect residents in Central Virginia (Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan counties, the City of Richmond, and Town of Ashland) with existing housing service providers and resources.
This need was outlined as one of the solutions in PHA’s Richmond Regional Housing Framework, which was unveiled in January 2020. The Housing Resource Line, which debuted with an initial launch on September 1st and is operational from 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday, has received nearly 500 calls from residents. Callers have inquired about numerous services, including financial assistance, legal support, rental options, foreclosure prevention, and more.
Staffed by professionals trained to assist callers, the Housing Resource Line directs residents to one or more of the more than 50 housing service providers that participate in the program. This strategy’s brilliance lies in its simplicity by streamlining the housing navigation process.
PHA’s Housing Resource Line is the first comprehensive housing resource in Virginia for residents seeking services outside of homelessness. Its early success indicates that the Housing Resource Line could serve as an effective model for other communities in the state and around the country.
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