Housing in Virginia
How housing help usually works, and what to do first.
Last checked . Rules change, so confirm with the agency before you act.
How it usually works
Housing happens in stages. First a safe place for now. Then transitional or sober housing. Then a subsidized home through a waitlist. You can work on all three at the same time.
If you need a place tonight
Call 211. They can point you to shelters and emergency help near you. Sober living and transitional housing are listed in our resource search.
Subsidized housing waitlists
Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are run by local housing agencies. Each one has its own waitlist. Lists open rarely, and you usually must apply online while a list is open.
Apply to every list that is open, not just one. Virginia Housing posts openings on its website.
Keep your contact information working
Waitlist notices come by mail or email. Use an address and phone number where you can reliably get messages, and tell the agency when they change. A missed notice can take you off a list.
Next
Sources
- Virginia Housing: Housing Choice Voucher program (opens in a new tab)
- Fairfax County Housing: waitlists (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not legal advice. PXM does not decide who qualifies for any program.