BRISTOL, Va. — The Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority (BRHA) has been awarded $131,000 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help support an estimated 30 non-elderly, disabled individuals and their families seeking affordable housing in Bristol, Virginia.
The funds, provided through HUD’s Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program, are part of an overall $131.3 million recently awarded by HUD to 325 local public housing authorities across the country.
“This program is designed to help residents with disabilities gain increasing independence and live in an integrated setting,” says Lisa Porter, BRHA’s executive director and CEO. “This year was the first time BRHA applied for funds under this program, and we’re delighted to be able to provide increased assistance to individuals and families as they seek quality housing that supports their needs.”
Under the program, approved residents can search for rental housing in the private market and receive assistance for monthly rent costs. Evaluation for the available vouchers will begin with BRHA’s existing wait list and candidates from the organization’s partner agencies, including Highlands Community Services and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Leasing through the program is expected to begin in July 2020.
“The period for this grant is one year, and depending on our success with the program, hopefully it will be renewed in 2020,” Porter says. “We are always searching for new ways and resources to help meet the housing needs of residents in Bristol, and these dedicated funds will allow us to support disabled residents, while also freeing up resources for other key groups that we serve, including the elderly.”
Established in 1938, BRHA is the largest provider of affordable rental housing in Bristol, and has been instrumental in transforming neighborhoods and assisting in the city’s revitalization efforts. For more information, visit www.brha.com.
About BRHA
Located at 809 Edmond St., BRHA is the designated public housing agency in the city of Bristol, Virginia. It is the second-oldest such authority in Virginia, having been founded in 1938 and housing 40 percent of low-income renter families in Bristol. Its mission is to provide safe, attractive, affordable housing and housing assistance, and the opportunity for families and individuals to achieve a higher standard of living. BRHA (www.brha.com) is governed by a five-member board of commissioners that is appointed by the mayor of Bristol, Virginia. The staff is comprised of an executive director and 27 employees. BRHA is a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (www.nahro.org).
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For more information, contact Lisa Porter,
executive director/CEO, BRHA, at 276-821-6251