Funding will support 17 projects to expand workforce, spur job creation, and improve infrastructure

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced he is recommending more than $4.2 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants for 17 projects in the Appalachian region of Virginia, which encompasses 25 counties and eight independent cities in Southwest Virginia. ARC grants are used to stimulate economic development by funding projects such as infrastructure, entrepreneurship development, and workforce development.

$50 million will provide rent and mortgage relief for households experiencing financial instability due to COVID-19

RICHMOND---Governor Ralph Northam today launched the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), which will provide $50 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for households facing eviction or foreclosure due to COVID-19. RMRP will provide short-term financial assistance on behalf of households in the form of rent and mortgage payments.

$3 million in Vibrant Community Initiative funding to support holistic neighborhood redevelopment

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced two new affordable housing programs that will build upon efforts to provide safe and secure housing for all Virginians. The $3 million in Vibrant Community Initiative (VCI) funding will support affordable housing and community development in the cities of Charlottesville and Newport News.

Program will support communities in developing economic recovery tools to address pandemic

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced more than $14.66 million for a new Economic Resilience and Recovery Program to respond to the unprecedented economic conditions facing Virginia and address the near and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative was created through a restructuring of Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) funding.

~ At Governor's request, Chief Justice suspends all eviction proceedings through June 28 ~

Governor Ralph Northam today announced a temporary statewide moratorium on all eviction proceedings in Virginia. The Governor requested this moratorium in a letter sent to Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Lemons this weekend.

New laws cap late fees and protect renters during emergencies, $12 million to help non-profit housing organizations

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today shared new resources to protect Virginians from eviction and support individuals who have lost their job or income due to COVID-19.

~ Funding to support regional economic development initiatives ~

Initial $2.5 million in funding will house unsheltered individuals, support case management

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced an initial $2.5 million in emergency funding to shelter Virginia's statewide homeless population during the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency support will provide temporary housing for the approximately 1,500 Virginians who are currently unsheltered or rely on shelters that require them to leave every day.

Declaration provides additional support, federal funding to aid statewide response

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginia has received a Major Disaster Declaration to aid in the Commonwealth's response to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Governor Northam requested this federal disaster assistance on Monday, March 30.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is making available current CDBG funding to small cities, towns and rural counties to respond to local needs related to COVID-19 response. DHCD is also closely monitoring availability of funding for all localities through the recently passed CARES Act (federal stimulus) and will post additional details when this funding becomes available.