Resident offers advice for wait time as RRHA’s open waitlist for public housing concludes

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The window to apply for public housing in Richmond is closing, but it may take some time before you can move in.

Last month, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) opened its waitlist to reduce the amount of people needing a place to live.

According to RRHA's website, 6,044 people requested a spot on the public housing voucher waitlist since it opened in March. RRHA assisted 229 applicants in person with registering, gaining access to the portal and applying to the project-based voucher waitlists.

Richmond resident Sydney Conwell applied for public housing in 2022. However, the long wait combined with life issues forced her to make some tough decisions.

“I struggle with a disabled daughter, trying to find an apartment with my income, absorbing all my savings for application fees, it became a big joke,” Conwell said.

Frustrated by the wait, Conwell eventually decided to pack up and move up north in December for a better housing opportunity, but she quickly regretted her decision.

“After I got to New Jersey, I said, ‘This is not a life for me’ I turned back around. I came back to Richmond after being there for a couple of weeks,” Conwell said.

Months later, Conwell finally received her voucher for a home. She said those on the waitlist should constantly stay in contact with RRHA officials for availability. 

“Stay aware of what's going on,” Conwell said. “Come into your walk-ins and meet your [case] worker. Ask your worker for her contact card and keep in touch.”

Conwell’s voucher makes her eligible for a two-bedroom apartment in the city and she said she’ll be signing the agreement on April 11.