The City of Newport News Housing Broker Team was awarded the designation of 2016 Agency of the Year at the annual Virginia Association of Housing Counselors (VAHC) Spring Conference.
A part of the Newport News Department of Human Services Prevention Services Bureau, the Housing Broker Team has served the needs of low-income individuals and families since 2009. The program is designed to prevent homelessness before it happens, to quickly rehouse those who are homeless, and to prevent the re-occurrence of homelessness. The program is
based on the belief that given the right opportunity and supportive resources, many individuals and families will become self-sufficient and maintain stable housing.
The Housing Broker Team has been successful in identifying, recruiting, and sustaining landlords and property managers with affordable properties through meetings, presentations and community forums. Through these positive partnerships, the Team has been successful in reducing or removing late fees, rental arrears, and security deposits. This effective partnership has allowed them to reduce the number of days clients spend homeless by an average of 28%.
If you know an individual or family that is at risk for becoming or is currently homeless, please have them contact the Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202.