170860_NRCA_AnnualRep17-18_PROOF2

Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs provided stable housing to 86 households. NRCA’s Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs assisted 86 households either at-risk of homelessness or literally homeless. The funding helped those families with rent and utility deposits, rent arrears, housing application fees, moving costs, and temporary rental and utility support to help households obtain or maintain stable and safe housing. Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs include Housing Counseling to help clients develop a road map to permanent housing. Certified Housing Counselors assisted 81 households. NRCA provided Housing Counseling to 81 households during 2017-2018. Housing Counseling included rental rights and responsibilities, homelessness assistance, post-purchase guidance, foreclosure prevention, and financial literacy. Renter Education prepared 67 households for stable housing. NRCA uses the curriculum developed by the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) for Renter Education workshops. Topics include credit, housing search, application process, understanding lease agreements, security deposits, rights and responsibilities of both tenant and landlord, maintenance and repairs, and terminating a lease including the eviction process. The curriculum also includes a discussion on fair housing and utility energy savings tips. NRCA Housing Counselors offer Renter Education to the public and to NRCA Emergency Assistance Program utility clients. Additionally, counselors focus on NRCA To Our House thermal shelter clients, encouraging the homeless to attend morning sessions after staying at the overnight host church to assist them with permanent housing placement.

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