Housing Stability Program
Peoples Advantage Helping Hands (PAHH) offers short-term rental assistance paired with long-term financial support to help families stay housed and move forward with confidence.
Program Requirements
- Petersburg resident
- Actively employed for 3+ months & work 25+ hours per week
- Show ability to repay the loan
- Dependent(s) actively enrolled in Petersburg City Public Schools
- Must have an eviction notice or living in a hotel
- Must desire to move into permanent stable housing OR remain in current housing
Application Details
If you meet the program’s eligibility requirements above, the following documents are needed. The submission of documents does not guarantee approval for assistance. Please note that the application to request assistance cannot be submitted until all required documents have been received.
- Copy of current lease agreement OR proof of your stay in a hotel (ex: copies of receipts for payment)
- Most recent 30 days paystubs from your current employer (for self-employment income, please provide the monthly/year-to-date income statement & 1099 from 2025 or most recent tax return)
- Most recent 60 days bank statements for all active accounts (if no bank statements, please provide the most recent 60 days transaction history for Chime, Cash App etc.)
- Provide the name (First, Middle Initial & Last name), age, grade level & school of the PCPS student(s) in the household
- Must provide copies of utility bills (if received an eviction notice)
- Copy of current government issued ID
- Copy of the eviction notice from the current landlord/property owner
- Provide documentation from the property manager/landlord confirming application approval, the amount of the security deposit & first month’s rent along with whom the check is to be made payable to (if living in a hotel)
Low to moderate-income working families with children enrolled in Petersburg Public Schools:
- Living in hotels or
- Facing a pay-or-quit eviction notice
- Security deposits*
- First month’s rent*
- Last month’s rent or past-due balances*
*Funds are paid directly to landlords or rental agencies
Why it matters
By helping families secure stable housing, this program improves children’s:
- Stability & safety
- Physical & mental health
- Academic performance
renters rights
New Housing Bill Details in Virginia
Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly session produced a strong housing package with multiple bipartisan wins, plus a major federal housing bill with Virginia roots that may still become law.
Virginia State Housing Bill Highlights (2026)
The General Assembly passed over a dozen housing-related bills, many signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Key provisions include Virginia Housing Alliance+2:
- SB531 – Requires all localities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential zones statewide, effective July 2027. This expands housing supply in more neighborhoods.
- HB4 – Gives localities a Right of First Refusal on subsidized rental properties at risk of losing affordability, helping preserve affordable housing without building new units.
- HB15/SB48 – Extends the mandatory waiting period before a landlord can terminate a lease for nonpayment from 5 to 14 days, giving tenants more time to catch up.
- SB373 – Allows evidence of uninhabitable living conditions as a defense in eviction cases, with HB281 amended to match.
- HB837/SB273 – Expands eligibility and reduces requirements for the Eviction Diversion Program, improving access to alternatives to eviction.
- Faith in Housing Act (SB388/HB1279) – Still pending after Governor’s return with amendments; if passed, would allow by-right development of affordable housing on land owned by religious organizations and eligible nonprofits, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
- HB594, HB867/SB74, HB854 – Expand local tools: fast-track rezoning for affordable housing, stronger inclusionary zoning, and property tax exemptions for nonprofit-controlled affordable housing.
