Helping Resources

Originating from planning programs in housing and human services, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) maintains a variety of databases of "helping resources" available to residents of Northern Virginia.  Information includes agency, service and contact data, and in many cases, additional details about area served, eligibility requirements, and more.

Currently available are the following printed and/or electronic resources:

Local Impact of COVID-19

Explore a local dashboard and map tracking real time coronavirus cases in the Northern Virginia region: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City and County, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William. The coronavirus information comes from the renowned John Hopkins University COVID-19 Geographic Information System (GIS) database. The dashboard, developed by the regional demographer at NVRC, also contains numerous statistics for assessing potentially vulnerable populations in Northern Virginia. See https://www.novaregiondashboard.com/coronavirus.  

Affordable Housing Lists
Local northern Virginia jurisdictions compile and publish affordable and accessible housing and apartment rental lists.
Affordable Housing Lists

HIV Resources Project
The HIV Resources Project exists to help persons living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers in suburban Virginia identify appropriate housing options and supportive services
HIV Resources Project

Homeless Shelter Lists
NVRC maintains and updates the homeless shelter list for both northern Virginia and suburban Virginia.  In addition, during the winter months when low temperatures pose a greater risk for homeless people living outdoors, additional sheltering resources are available for the "winter" season.
Homeless Shelter Lists

HOPWA Waitlist
NVRC maintains the regional waitlist for HOPWA, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. Those on the waitlist must keep NVRC informed (in writing) of their address and current situation and return a new Update form each year.  Effective January 30, 2015, NVRC closed the Regional HOPWA Waitlist.  NVRC is not accepting new applications at this time.  Currently there are no plans to re-open the waitlist at a later date.

Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing Choice vouchers are rent subsidies formerly known as Section 8 vouchers. Vouchers are funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are available in urban and suburban cities and counties.
Housing Choice Voucher Program

Information and Referral
Information and Referral can help you identify organizations that provide critical helping services within your community. I&R is a quick, free, and confidential service, usually provided by telephone.
Information and Referral

Low Cost Health Care
 The Northern Virginia Health Services Coalition is a group of clinics providing health care for low income people. Search for a clinic based on your location, insurance, gender, age, income, and type of service needed.
Low Cost Health Care from NVRC's Quick Guide Online

Quick Guide
The Northern Virginia Quick Guide is a pocket index to the most frequently-sought human services in Northern Virginia and is available in print or online. 
Quick Guide

Online Benefit Screeners
Learn whether you are eligible for assistance from many state and federal programs Answer questions online to see a list of programs for which you are likely to qualify.
Online Benefit Screeners

Manage Your Money
Learn to stretch your dollars.
Financial Education Resources