Latest news with #NRHA
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norfolk housing authority program helps first-time home buyers
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is offering first time homebuyers $60,000 in down payment and closing costs assistance, thanks to the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Lashawn Fortes, the NRHA homeownership director, said she's thankful to be able to educate residents in the community about the various resources that the housing authority provides. 'I remember when I bought my first house, I qualified for everything, but I wasn't educated to know what was available,' Fortes said. The HOME Investment Partnership Program, known as HOME, was put in place by the city of Norfolk and the city's housing authority to expand the supply of decent affordable housing to low-to-moderate income households who choose to purchase a home in the Mermaid City. 'It's an allocation set aside for low- to moderate-income families to help them with that gap of financing for home ownership,' Fortes said. Besides being a first-time homebuyer to qualify, your income must be below 80% of the area's median income, and you must live in the home for a set period of time. According to Fortes, in the past you had to reside at the home for 15 years, but in the future, you will only have to reside at the home for 10 years. Funding is first-come, first-serve, and there is a waiting period. But it's waiting that Norfolk residents like Martha Richardson, who along with her husband moved from New York City to Virginia, say is worth it. 'When my husband came down [on] his first trip, he loved it,' Richardson said. 'Actually, Virginia is for lovers because the minute he stepped in here he was in love.' After months of renting, she wanted to own her own place, but she wasn't sure where to turn, that was until she got information about the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. With help from the program, Richardson bought her first home. 'It does help,' Richardson said. 'You're not only educated, [but] you're also given monetary assistance to help you with that big first step.' Said Fortes: 'Right now in this market, people are like, 'Do I buy or do I wait?' And that's a personal preference, but we educate them on the pros and cons.' Learn more about the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Norfolk marks 45 years since circus blizzard, urges residents to help neighbors
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)– As Norfolk braces for another late winter snowstorm, many residents are reflecting on the notorious '1980 Circus Blizzard' that left families stranded at the Norfolk Scope. On March 1 and 2, 1980, nearly 14 inches of snow blanketed the city, trapping numerous attendees within the venue. 45 years later Norfolk is preparing for another late winter snowstorm. As temperatures dip, some residents are resorting to using stoves and ovens to stay warm, highlighting concerns about safety and preparedness as the new storm approaches. Former WAVY-TV meteorologist, Ricky Matthews, is now an Emergency Planner for the City of Norfolk. 'I understand that staying warm is key, but using your oven to try and stay warm is one of the worst things you can do. Anything that involves an open flame involves an extra amount of risk,' said Matthews. Matthews is also asking citizens to be on the lookout for the homeless. 'Check on your neighbors, check on your friends, see if they need anything. Neighbors helping neighbors goes a long way,' Matthews added, emphasizing the importance of checking on neighbors' food supplies, medications, and sources of heat. 'If they don't have adequate heating, make sure they have a plan to get adequate heating during the storm,' Matthews said. He also stated, 'If anyone needs shelter and doesn't have a place to go, they can go to one of our open shelters. Our emergency crews know that they can take them to those shelters as well. If you see someone who doesn't have an adequate warm shelter during the winter weather event, we encourage you to call our Norfolk Cares line, and they can connect you with someone who can help them.' The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) has booked Scope for a public event Wednesday night, not a circus. The chairman of the NRHA board told Ten on Your Side that a meeting scheduled to discuss the demolition of Calvert Square and Young Terrace will be rescheduled. As Norfolk gears up for what could be a significant snow event, many are reminded of the past while looking ahead to ensure they are ready for whatever the winter weather may bring. If you see a person in need of shelter in Norfolk call NORFOLK CARES AT 757-664-6510. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
