1-18-2026 3:39pm

Ways to decease the shortage of Affordable Housing in Virginia

John Williams Editor

by John Williams Editor

Right now in 2026 Virginia families struggle trying to find housing. They struggle to pay their rent, to put together a down payment, can’t get the right FICA score to even be considered for a federally based mortgage, and have enough money for money for a monthly payment.

According to VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) Virginia is short 300,000 homes, and thousands of families — seniors, working parents, young adults, and longtime neighbors are being pushed out or priced out of the communities they call home.

State Senator Jennifer Carroll (D-Stafford) points out ”There are Virginians paying 50% and more of their income on housing with little money left over for food, healthcare or childcare.”

Many of these potential homeowners include Teachers, Police, Firefighters, Nurses, and Federal Workers. There people who across all walks of life who are struggling to save for the dream they can call their own.

Virginia’s newly inaugurated Governor Spanberger made increasing the supply of affordable housing a centerpiece of her campaign platform.

Governor Spanberger emphasized “We’re going to lower the cost of renting, buying, or staying in your home. We are going to cut red tape and build homes families can actually afford.”

In October 2025 VOICE and other Community based groups held a housing summit in Reston VA to address the state of housing in VA. 945 people in total, 44 congregations of all faiths, organizations, and 21 elected leaders the local and state level spoke with one voice on this issue. The elected officials included State Senators Jennifer Carroll Foy and Mc Jeremy Pike (D-Prince William).

Together the groups formed a Pro-Housing Caucus and also pushed for the passage of the bill to reduce the amount of time it takes for faith based groups and non profits to build affordable housing. The bill would cut the time for getting through the rezoning process. There is a very good news report about the bill known as God’s Backyard. VOICE explains “It aired on NBC highlighting the Faith in Housing / Yes in God’s Backyard bill — featuring our Senate patrons, Senator Jeremy McPike and Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy and lifting up the story of Community of Faith UMC in Fairfax, a congregation working to build affordable homes on their land.
Watch here: https://nbcwashington.app.link/4BuTz2VFMYb

Fairfax Presbyterian Glebeview Affordable Housing project also went through 7-8 years of the rezoning process before the City of Fairfax approved it.
Both of these projects illustrate how hard it is to find the resources and community support to get it off the ground.

VOICE continues “This kind of public coverage helps shift the narrative, and is also a reminder that passing the bill will take *all of us*. As we head into the 2026 General Assembly, VOICE leaders and allies will need to be present, vocal, and organized to win this and our broader pro-homes agenda.

VOICE’S Lobby Day is January 26th — and we already know the Senate Local Government Committee will hear our bills at 8:30 AM that morning!
It’s early, but these hearings are where our bills live or die, and where our presence matters most.
Sign up for Lobby Day here:
https://forms.gle/Lze135Pc19VL773AA

Let’s show the General Assembly that people of faith and community leaders across Virginia are ready to take bold action for more affordability, stronger communities, and homes for all!