Millions of dollars through the Department of Housing and Urban Development are going toward helping families across Virginia have access to affordable housing.
On Friday, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that $4,275,080 in federal funding is being awarded to Public Housing Authorities across Virginia.
The Lynchburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority are receiving $56,761 of that.
Executive Director, Mary Mayrose said with this funding they are going to be able to house an additional 8 families.
"They're not just numbers on a spreadsheet," Mayrose said. "They're actual families, families that want their children to go to good schools, that want their children to be able to ride bikes, and play in their neighborhoods and live in safe sanitary housing."
Mayrose said they currently have over 900 families in the program and over 1200 families on their waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
She also said there's a great need for more affordable housing in Lynchburg.
The organization is trying to address that.
Mayrose said they're in the very early stages of their master plan where they hope to build more than 200 new housing units-- hopefully in the Dearington Neighborhood.
Other housing authorities in our region also received funding on Friday.
The Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority received more than $133,126. PR manager, Jasey Roberts, said $121,876 of that will go to fifteen new Housing Choice Vouchers, and Housing Assistance Payments for low-income, elderly, and disabled people across Roanoke City.
"The allocation of fifteen additional vouchers will provide relief to our community during a time when it is becoming more difficult for people to find affordable housing options," Roberts said.
He said the remaining $11,250 will go to obligated special fees for each individual voucher and other administrative activities.
The Danville redevelopment and housing authority also received $61,800.