Dear Friend,
As the months go by, many of us are getting used to life in a new normal—wearing masks, working from home, meeting virtually.
But for many in our community, each day that passes without work means getting further behind on rent and wondering where the next meal will come from.
Virginia's eviction moratorium ended on June 28 and the federal moratorium ends July 25, but there are many protections available for tenants, as well as financial assistance. This issue of New & Next includes an update on evictions.
AHS will continue advocating for and supporting policies that protect our neighbors from losing their homes at such a precarious time.
Our County government and nonprofit safety net are working together to help people pay rent, secure food, and meet other basic needs. Please let your networks know that help is available through the County's hotline: 703-228-1300.
Thank you for continuing to be part of a community that cares.
Best regards,
Michelle McDonough Winters
Executive Director
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Virginia’s eviction moratorium ended June 28, but there is help available for those who need rental assistance, legal advice, or help with food and other necessities.
Our July 16 post details the latest eviction news, including COVID-related protections and where Arlingtonians can turn for help or more information.
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COUNTY RELEASES MISSING MIDDLE RESEARCH BULLETINS
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Arlington County has released two of five Missing Middle research bulletins. The three remaining bulletins will be released between now and August 18.
These bulletins give an overview of the upcoming study and Arlington's current housing inventory, and reviews the way the history of land use and zoning policies have shaped Arlington. We encourage all Arlingtonians to review the bulletins in anticipation of the upcoming study, which will include community input. And, if you are interested in getting more engaged you can join the AHS Missing Middle Network.
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This image is from the second bulletin, titled Housing Market Pressures, and illustrates the disparities in affordability by race across the county.
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CONNECTING THE DOTS: ARLINGTON FOR EVERYONE
By Stephen D'Alessio
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In our latest Arlington for Everyone story, Stephen D'Alessio writes about volunteering with Arlington Community Corps in Aurora Highlands to provide food and supplies to individuals suffering from COVID.
"Over the past several months, I have seen that on top of the horror of the virus, many families are now fighting to stay in their homes. ... Hearing from residents like this day after day has reminded me how close so many people in our community are to losing their apartments or houses. It is unacceptable that in a community so close to some of the most powerful people on the planet we cannot even keep people in their homes during this terrifying pandemic."
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CHAMPION SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: MEYER FOUNDATION
Our Champion Level Partners in Affordable Housing give $10,000 or more per year. Thanks to Meyer Foundation for being among our most dedicated supporters!
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Agnes E. Meyer, was a tireless advocate for shared humanity whose constant call to action was the need to change our nation and region’s systems to achieve racial justice. Today, the Meyer Foundation pursues and invests in solutions that build an equitable Greater Washington community in which economically disadvantaged people thrive.
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ACCESSORY DWELLING WEBINAR
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The Next Little Thing in Affordable Housing
Wednesday, July 29 | 9:30am
Housing Virginia is hosting a webinar to dig into accessory dwelling design and policy, with a focus on capacity building and implementation.
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Confirmed participants include Michelle Winters, Executive Director at the Alliance for Housing Solutions and Housing Virginia board member; Max Pastore, an urban designer at Rhodeside & Harwell; Dr. Christina Stacy at the Urban Institute; and Nicole Joslin at Austin’s Community Powered Workshop, an organization that helped launch the Alley Flat Initiative. To learn more and see panelist bios, click here.
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GET INVOLVED
The Alliance for Housing Solutions has gone virtual, and you're invited to join us. We're using the platform Mobilize.io to organize groups and share information. You are welcome to join any of the following groups that spark your interest.
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Housing Action Arlington
Join this coalition to discuss policy updates, advocate for affordable housing resources, and coordinate across housing and service providers. AHS facilitates a monthly meeting (currently via Zoom) for providers and advocates. Join here.
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Missing Middle Network
Learn about and support efforts to allow more missing middle housing through zoning and land use policy reforms. Join here.
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Accessory Dwelling Discussion Group
Learn, discuss, and share efforts to create accessory dwellings through practical discussions, tips, and resources. Join here.
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Takis Karantonis, Vice Chair of the Alliance for Housing Solutions' Board of Directors, was elected to the Arlington County Board in a special election on July 7.
We look forward to working with Takis in this new capacity to advance our mutual goal of ensuring affordable housing for Arlingtonians from all walks of life.
AHS is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse candidates running for political office.
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Increasing the supply of affordable housing through education, policy, advocacy, and innovation.
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