Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)
Faithworks' Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) status and activity. Having been certified by representatives of Winchester and all five NSV counties through the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, this status opens doors of financial support from HUD and Virginia Housing for Faithworks' housing and community development projects. Rob Seidel of Providence Capital Partners now collaborates with Faithworks to access these and other resources, and to provide technical real estate development assistance for these major projects in the NSV, which will serve and connect with many individuals, churches and other nonprofits.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Faithworks offers Emergency Financial Assistance for rent/mortgage payments, utilities, car repairs, and other emergency expenses for individuals and families experiencing an unexpected financial shortfall. Payments are made directly to the vendor, landlord/mortgage company, or service provider. No financial assistance is given to an applicant.
Faithworks' Emergency Financial Assistance Program is funded by the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, the Knights of Columbus Utility Fund, the First Baptist Church's Fellowship Fund, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, and Navigate Housing Partners.
Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Faithworks administers the TBRA program to assist households with security deposits and/or rent and utility deposits to secure or maintain safe, affordable housing. Applicants must meet HUD income guidelines, identify a housing unit that meets Fair Market Rent standards (FMR), and pass a HUD Housing Quality Standard Inspection. Applicants must pay a minimum of 30% of their income towards the total rent.
The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program is a HUD funded program administered by the City of Winchester and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission. Approval for assistance is contingent on meeting all applicant and housing unit requirements and the availability of funds when a request is made.
Accessibility and Modification Grant Program
Faithworks was recently approved as an agent for the Virginia Housing Accessibility Grants program. Funding is available to veterans, homeowners, or renters to foster independence and assist those needing barrier-free housing. The grant pays for the modifications approved by the applicant, agent, and contractor; no repayment is ever required.
Applicants who meet program and income requirements can access one of three grants:
Granting Freedom (GF) assists Veterans and service members with a service-connected disability.
Owner-Occupied Modification (QOM) is available to homeowners needing modifications to remain in their homes.
Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM) allows essential modifications to a rented unit pending the landlord's approval.
Application for A&M grants must be completed through an approved agent.