RICHMOND — Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced last week more than $2.9 million for the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP), with The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula (UWVP) among seven projects to receive support for eviction prevention services.
UWVP, serving Gloucester, James City, Mathews, New Kent and York counties and Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg, received $850,143 through the pilot program, the largest amount of the seven projects awarded.
The program was launched by former Gov. Ralph Northam in 2020 to support local and regional approaches to prevent evictions and help people find stable housing.
“Safe, stable housing is an essential component for strong families,” said Youngkin. “This pilot program tests to find the most effective wrap-around support services and assistance for Virginians that face housing uncertainty.”
UWVP will use the funds to provide eviction prevention and diversion services, as well as a court navigator program to the cities and counties on the Virginia Peninsula. It will specifically target Hampton and Newport News, which are both priority areas with high rates of eviction, according to a press release from the Governor’s office.
Funding will help strengthen the network of housing solutions UWVP offers through partnerships with schools and courts and increasing the accessibility of services.
“All Virginians have a right to stable and affordable housing,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “This funding, in tandem with the Governor’s ‘Make Virginia Home’ plan, will help align our vision for a more prosperous future for Virginia.”
A full list of 2023 Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot awarded projects can be found on the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website.
