TJPDC Housing and Human Services

TJPDC works with local government agencies and non-profit organizations to coordinate local initiatives on housing and human services and to develop effective and efficient solutions to our region's housing and human service needs.

TJPDC is involved in a variety of housing and human service activities aimed at improving the quality of life of the region's residents. Our projects include administering federal housing rehabilitation, regional housing planning and home ownership program funds entitled to the region, convening government agencies and non-profit organizations addressing homelessness in the region, and coordinating regional services for people with disabilities.

Select a button on the left to learn more about TJPDC's work in housing and human services.

The Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless (TJACH) received notification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that its application for non-profit status was approved. TJACH has existed as a coalition for over ten years, but stepped forward in 2008 to become the lead organization on homelessness as recommended in the Community Plan to End Homelessness. TJACH is currently housed at the TJPDC office, but will be moving to the Haven at First and Market the end of November. The grand opening of this multi-purpose community space is scheduled for November 21. For more information, contact TJACH Executive Director Kaki Dimock at executivedirector@tjach.org.

HOME Performance Report Submitted

Each year the HOME Consortium and the City of Charlottesville prepare the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to report on activities and achievements over the past year. The CAPER was submitted to HUD on September 30 and is available here. In the past fiscal year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 200) the HOME Consortium drew down $1,027,373 in HOME funds, excluding administrative funds. 15% of HOME funds are reserved for Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) projects. Remaining funds are evenly distributed among the six localities. The Consortium completed 31 HOME projects during the program year. Of the 31 projects, 7 were rehabilitation of owner-occupied units, 2 were rental rehabilitation, 8 were first-time homebuyer downpayment assistance, and 5 were development of rental units. The five rental projects represent a total of 16 units. Completed units for the year total 42. Additional projects were initiated during the year. For questions or more information, contact Billie Campbell, TJPDC, at (434) 979-7310 ext. 230.

HOME Action Plan Approved

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved the 2009 - 2010 Action Plan of the Consolidated Plan for the City of Charlottesville and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, submitted in mid-May. The Action Plan guides the use of $532,278 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the City of Charlottesville and $1,013,989 in federal HOME funds in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District (City of Charlottesville and counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson). At least 15% of HOME funds are set-aside for a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). The 2009-2010 CHDO project will consist of 4 to 6 units of affordable rental housing in Greene County. The Action Plan and additional information is available on TJPDC's Consolidated Plan Page. For questions or more information, contact Melissa Celii, City of Charlottesville, at (434) 970-3093 or Billie Campbell, TJPDC, at (434) 979-7310 ext. 230.

Homesharing/Accessory Dwelling Units Feasibility Study

In partnership with JABA, TJPDC has completed the feasibility study of a potential Homesharing program in the region, with an initial focus on the City of Charlottesville and the urban ring in Albemarle County. The feasibility study indicates a need and support for initiating a program here. Based on the input from the Advisory Committee at their final meeting on June 23, the program is being proposed to focus on the screening and matching process, with needed wrap-around services provided by other agencies and organizations in the community. The final report is available here in pdf format. For more information, contact Kristen Pingry at kpingry@tjpdc.org or 434-979-7310 ext. 310.

Second Edition Toolkit Now Available

The Second Edition of the Transportation and Housing Alliance (THA) Toolkit is now available and ready for use. The Transportation and Housing Alliance (THA) is a statewide initiative in Virginia linking public and private efforts in the areas of housing and transportation. The Toolkit was produced through a grant awarded to the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD). VBPD recognized the important role of Planning District Commissions in developing and using this Toolkit.

The purpose of the Toolkit is to create plans that lead to livable communities for all citizens. The Toolkit provides approaches to assess current housing and transportation needs, project future needs, and identify overlapping issues and opportunities. To learn more, please visit our THA Toolkit Page.

Universal Design

The Livable for a Lifetime (L4L) initiative is a partnership of the TJPDC, the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) and the Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA) to promote the design of homes and communities that are livable for a lifetime. This means incorporating universal design features and other amenities and services that allow people of all abilities and ages to live at home and engage fully in community life. Three white papers have been prepared for the Livable for a Lifetime initiative on homes, communities and accessory dwelling units.

L4L occasionally distributes News Briefs. The June 2009 issued focused on home modifications. For earlier News Briefs, click on the date: January 2009; August 2008; February 2007.

Consolidated Plan Submitted

The 2008-2013 CONSOLIDATED PLAN and the 2008-2009 ACTION PLAN of the Consolidated Plan for the City of Charlottesville and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission has been submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan and the Action Plan guide the use of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the City of Charlottesville and federal HOME funds in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District (City of Charlottesville and counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson). Beginning July 1, 2008 the City of Charlottesville expects to receive $533,116 in CDBG funds and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission expects to receive $919,878 in HOME/ADDI funds.

To view the plan online, please click here. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Ms. Missy Creasy, City of Charlottesville, at 434.970.3182 or by contacting Ms. Billie Campbell, Thomas Jefferson Planning District, at 434.979.7310 ext. 230.

TJPDC staff presents “The Four Pillars of Housing"

TJPDC staff made a presentation at the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association (VAPA) Annual Conference at Wintergreen Resort in July, 2007. The Four Pillars of Housing include Affordability, Green Building, Universal Design and Good Architecture. The presentation proposed that housing providers should look beyond affordability and construct housing that incorporates the other three pillars. When housing includes all four pillars then it is truly sustainable and more affordable. To download a pdf version of the presentation, click here.

The State of Housing Report

The Regional Housing Directors Council commissioned a comprehensive study by the Center for Housing Research (CHR) at Virginia Tech. The Housing Needs Assessment and Market Analysis, completed in October 2006, is a comprehensive assessment of affordable housing demand and housing needs for the Thomas Jefferson Planning District. The State of Housing Report was publicly unveiled at a press conference on Friday, January 19, 2007. The report consists of three basic sections: 1) an illustrated summary of the CHR report, 2) a summary of current housing programs, and 3) recommendations developed by the Housing Directors Council. The entire CHR report is included in the appendices. For more information, contact Billie Campbell at 434-979-7310 ext 230 or bcampbell@tjpdc.org. Click here for the Full Report.

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC), in partnership with the HOME Consortium, has developed a Green Building Sourcebook to provide information and resources for people interested in learning more about building sustainable, affordable housing. The Sourcebook contains information on simple steps homeowners can take to green their homes, including replacing thermostats, choosing energy efficient appliances, and replacing windows and doors. The site includes links to information and definitions about the type of products and materials to choose for your home to make it healthier, more energy efficient and more affordable over the long term. The site also features information on examples of local affordable green building. In addition to the Green Building Sourcebook posted online, the Sourcebook is also available as a printed booklet. Copies have been provided to the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library for check out. The booklet can be printed from the pdf file posted on line or provided upon request. To request a copy, call 434-979-7310 or send an e-mail to .