NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Affordable housing and quality housing those are two main goals for any renter in this market, and the Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority or NRHA, wants to make sure those goals are attainable for everyone.
“Usually there’s a two-party relationship — there’s the landlord and there’s the tenant,” said Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority Executive Director Nathan Simms. “In our space, it’s the landlord, the tenant and the Redevelopment Housing Authority.”
Norfolk has the largest Redevelopment Housing Authority in the state, and they say their goal is to continue renewing and revitalizing the city while addressing housing challenges.
“We know that there is a need for housing,” said Pamela Jones-Watford, NRHA chief of tenant rental assistant programs. “Basically, the calls that we get every single day, we have people that need housing.”
The NRHA said 2024 was an insightful year, and they see 2025 as an opportunity to improve on accountability from landlords while getting renter support.
“Whether it’s a violation on the side of the landlord or a violation on the side of the tenant, it should be documented for sure,” Simms said. “Attempts of resolution should be documented as well, and if those things fail, surely come to us as quick as possible so we can step in and help.”
The team said more housing options are coming to the area in the future.
“We’re actually even partnering with developers to build communities and properties all over the city,” Jones-Watford said.
The authority even has project-based vouchers that will be accepted at some of the city’s luxury apartments, something they would like to see more landlords consider.
“We need to work not only to provide quality and affordable housing,” Simms said. “We also need to recognize that people have a number of challenges, but also opportunities, and the city of Norfolk is bright with opportunities and we need to connect them to that.”
They’re all part of efforts to make Norfolk a place one can call home.