The Fairfax County Affordable Housing Development Division is seeking federal funding to protect its eight mobile home communities from disrepair and rising maintenance costs. The county is applying for a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s new initiative, the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement Competition, which includes $235 million in total awards. These communities provide an enclave of affordability amid million-dollar single-family homes in Fairfax County, where a family of four would need an income of over $150k to live comfortably.
Meghan Van Dam, Director of the County Affordable Housing Division, outlined potential uses for the funding, including infrastructure improvements for the communities, a loan program to replace aging units, and a study on the affordability of the communities. Residents in these mobile home communities have cited rising lot rental costs as a major concern. Many long-time residents, such as Toby Malow who lives in the Waples Mobile Home Park, have seen their rents increase significantly over the years, reflecting a trend across the county. Despite the rising costs, residents value the sense of community in these neighborhoods.
Nearly half of the mobile home units in Fairfax County are too old to meet federal standards, leading to higher costs for repairs and refurbishments. Van Dam sees an opportunity to use the funds to establish a process for families to apply for money to replace their homes, which could potentially provide up to $150,000 per unit for replacement. However, the sale of mobile home sites remains a concern for community members, as land parcels in the county become increasingly scarce and valuable. Despite the passing of HB 1397 in the Virginia statehouse, which raised relocation fees for mobile home park residents, Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a provision that would have granted localities the first right of refusal if a mobile home site is offered for sale.
Community members in the mobile home communities are aware of the possibility of their properties being sold, leading to concerns about affordability and displacement for long-time residents who may not be able to afford to move elsewhere. The county is holding a public hearing about the grant application on May 21 to gather feedback and input from residents. Residents are encouraged to weigh in ahead of the hearing or sign up to speak at the hearing. The goal of the grant funding is to preserve and enhance these mobile home communities in Fairfax County, ensuring that they remain affordable and accessible to residents in need of affordable housing options.
