Norfolk housing authority opens applications for Diggs Town apartments through project based voucher, tax credit program

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority will open applications for newly renovated apartments in the Diggs Town community this week.

Applications for the 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units in the Diggs Town community phase 1 section are open from Wednesday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Oct. 29.

Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed this fall. New appliances, updated kitchens, and new floors are just a few of the changes made to the revamped apartments.

The units are under the Project Based Voucher (PBV)/Tax Credit program. Applicants can qualify at 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and current residents of an Assisted Housing Community may qualify up to 80% of the AMI.

NRHA Housing Choice Voucher Program Director Pamela Jones-Watford says housing like the renovated Diggs Town community is crucial given the current climate as residents try to get back on their feet during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The need for assisted housing is very very obvious and real during this time,” said Jones-Watford.

The Diggs Town project includes renovation of 322 units, consolidation of nine units and the demolition of 91 units. While Phase 1 is expected to be completed this fall, Phase 2 has been put on hold as the housing authority works to identify the best source for additional funding.

Jones-Watford says this doesn’t necessarily mean there are 322 openings. Some of them have already been filled with residents who moved out for the renovations then moved back in.

In fact, there’s already a waiting list applicants will get added to.

“Make sure you get your application in before [Oct.] 29th, answer every question as honestly as possible,” said Jones-Watford.

Jones-Watford says they’ll notify the chosen applicants in the next few months by mail because there have been recent email scams.

“People are sending emails saying ‘It’s from the housing authority and you’ve been selected.’ We will not send an email, look out for any mail from NRHA. The day you get it, respond, because if you hold off, you could very well lose your eligibility,” said Jones-Watford.

Applications are available at the NRHA website, but you can’t apply online.

Applications can also be found at 555 E. Main Street on Wednesday, Oct. 20-29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or at one of NRHA’s partnering agency locations: Community Services Board, Endependence Center, Norfolk Department of Social Services, Eggleston Services, and LGBT Life Center (formerly ACCESS AIDS Care).

All applications must be received before or postmarked by Oct. 29. Applications can be mailed to NRHA, Attention: Occupancy Department, P. O. Box 968, Norfolk, VA 23501.

Residency requirements for the Diggs Town units are: The head of household and all household members 18 years + (with (the exception of full-time students) must be employed a minimum of 15 hours per week for a minimum of six months unless they are seniors or persons with a disability or the primary caretaker of a blind person or a person with a disability as defined by the Social Security Act.