Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

Got your tax refund? Pay yourself first with VIDA
Many say it sounds too good to be true. However the Virginia Individual Development Account (VIDA) program has helped more than 128 low-income working Virginian’s triple their savings, and use that money toward becoming a homeowner, continuing their education, or starting a new business. VIDA is the state’s matched-savings program, an individual development account which provides a two-to-one savings match, up to $4,000, for eligible “savers.” By using money received through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or other tax refunds, many savers are able to jumpstart their portion of the match.

Press release >> PDF
Press release (Spanish) >> PDF
VIDA program >> URL

Manufactured Housing Installation Program offered
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has mandated that all contractors providing installation services for “new” HUD code homes attend training to become certified manufactured home installers. DHCD is now offering the Manufactured Housing Installation Program in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). If you intend to or currently provide installation services for manufactured homes in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you are required to have your “Qualified Individual” complete this training.

Registration >> URL

Energy Savers Blog offers tips for saving
Looking for ways to save money on energy?  Check out the Department of Energy’s Energy Savers Blog.  The blog features updated information each week on topics such as insulation and weatherization, lighting, energy audits, tax credits, windows, appliances, air-sealing and more.  To learn how to save money on energy and other tips to keep your home comfortable, visit their blog today.
 
Energy Savers Blog >>  URL
DHCD Weatherization Program >>  URL

CDBG How-to-Apply Workshops Announced
 The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will conduct two How-to-Apply Workshops for Community Improvement Grants under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. These workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 26, in Richmond, and Wednesday, Jan. 27, in Abingdon. Only non-entitlement local governments are eligible for CDBG funding. During these sessions, DHCD staff will review project options, funding availability, proposal formatting, submission requirements and the proposal evaluation methodology. Adequate time will be reserved to discuss important issues related to specific project types.

Flier >> PDF

2010 Governor’s Housing Conference dates announced
The 2010 Governor’s Housing Conference will be held in capital of Virginia next year.  Join us for the conference Nov. 17 – 19, 2010 which will be held at the Richmond Marriott.  The Governor’s Housing Conference is Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive affordable housing event of the year.  The three-day event features workshops and sessions designed to help public and private sector representatives develop effective housing solutions in Virginia.  Nearly 900 affordable housing advocates, providers, and policy makers gathered each year at the conference.

DHCD announces funding for innovative micro-enterprise strategies
 Today Bill Shelton, director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), announced $26,250 in grant awards for five Virginia micro-enterprise organizations. DHCD awarded the competitive grants for service delivery innovations through the Virginia Enterprise Initiative (VEI) program to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and support Virginia’s micro-business start-ups and expansions.

Press Release >> PDF

Virginia Housing Search online now!
VirginiaHousingSearch.com is a vibrant new tool to help locate housing that meets your specific needs.  This centralized database provides landlords and those looking for housing with a one-stop resource to list and locate a wide-range of housing across the Commonwealth.  Housing searches can be tailored for those seeking affordable housing, accessible housing, or other individualized needs.

VirginiaHousingSearch Web site >> URL

Virginia Main Street Blog: A new online resource
Virginia Main Street now offers a central online location where you can keep up with Main Street happenings, downtown revitalization tips, and links to all of the Virginia Main Street designated communities. The Virginia Main Street Blog covers design and promotions strategies for traditional commercial districts, economic and entrepreneurial development tools, and best practices to explore in your community—all in quick, summary format. Visit often, or sign up for an RSS feed today.

Virginia Main Street Blog >> URL

Private Activity Bonds
As of July 1, 2008 the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is responsible for that portion of Virginia's private activity bonds set aside for local housing authorities and for that portion set aside for the state allocation. Please review the Private Activity Bond Allocation Guidelines for information on submitting an allocation application. Housing authorities should use form HB. All others should use form IDB.

For information, please contact Shea Hollifield at: (804) 371-7031 or shea.hollifield@dhcd.virginia.gov.
 
Private Activity Bond Allocation Guidelines – Local Housing Authorities and State Allocation >> Word
State Allocation >> Excel
Local Housing Authority Allocation >> Excel
Housing and Economic Recovery Allocation >> Excel
Allocation of 2008 Ceiling for Private Activity Bonds >> Word
House Bill 1073 (made changes to the administration of the PAB allocation) >> PDF
Governor’s Executive Order 78 >> PDF

Agency strategic and service area plans
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has developed agency strategic and service area plans in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Strategic Planning and Performance-Based Budgeting Process. Information on the plan is available below. 

DHCD Strategic Plan >> URL
Appendix A >> URL