RRHA enters ‘final push’ on repayment agreement campaign before eviction pause ends

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s (RRHA) eviction pause is ending soon.

RRHA has begun a “final push” to get as many residents signed up for its last chance repayment agreement as it can before starting lease enforcement again on Aug. 31. RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith told 8News the authority has been working to notify residents about its plan since June through multiple avenues.

“We went out on social media, we sent thousands of emails, we sent letters,” said Nesmith. “We have 3200 public housing residents, we touched every single house.”

Nesmith said RRHA has been focusing on the 700 residents who owe the highest amount, ranging from $1,000 to $30,000. However, of those 700 residents, he said only about 200 have signed up so far.

“We hope by Aug. 31 we can have a really good number,” Nesmith said. “I mean, even if we get 60% that would be like 400 of the 700.”

In order to take part in a repayment agreement, residents must make an appointment with their management office and bring to that appointment a form of I.D., as well as a “down payment” towards their outstanding rent, the amount of which will be determined based on income.

Nesmith said there will be a little wiggle room after Aug. 31 for anyone who signs up at the last minute.

“We’re going to spend some time in the month of September coming up with a plan to move forward with lease enforcement in the most compassionate way we can,” Nesmith said.

You can find more information on RRHA’s website .

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