NEWS RELEASE

ARHA Receives Overwhelming Response to Reopening its Waiting List

Housing Authority received 45,000 applications over three days

(Alexandria, VA – February 11, 2021) – How strong is the demand for affordable homes in Alexandria? Consider this: The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) invited applications for its waiting list on January 11. By the end of the day January 13, 45,000 individuals and families had applied.

“People are hurting,” said ARHA CEO Keith Pettigrew. “I receive emails every day wanting to know if housing vouchers or ARHA housing is available. These are not just people who are out of work. These are primarily people who have jobs but can’t afford to live in Alexandria right now.”

Of the 45,000 applications, approximately 32,000 are for ARHA administered units. The other approximately 13,000 are for Housing Choice Voucher Program vouchers, which families use to help pay the rent for privately owned homes.

Some applications will be disqualified because the household’s income is higher than ARHA programs allow. But even after that process, a very long waiting list will remain.

ARHA is in the early stages of a major repositioning strategy that will culminate in the redevelopment of several of the agency’s properties. In each case, the ARHA goal would be to include a one-for-one replacement of current units for low-income households and an equal number of new units for working families and market rate apartments.

The idea is to create sustainable developments where lower-income families live in the same communities as those with middle-class incomes.    

“The demand for affordable housing in our city is already among the strongest in the nation, and the word is out that we are creating beautiful new developments,” Pettigrew said. “That likely added to the avalanche of applications.”

The ARHA last opened its waiting list for one week in August 2011, receiving 10,000 applications.

About Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority

For over 80 years, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority has provided affordable housing, economic opportunities, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination for the citizens of Alexandria. Our mission is to be an industry leader in the development and management of model mixed income communities that provide the opportunity for residents to achieve self-sufficiency and to participate in economic opportunities that are made possible through this model.

To learn more, visit http://www.arha.us/.