August 5, 2025
In a recent news story aired September 3, 2025 by WRIC ABC-8 reporter Jamal Williams regarding the role of housing choice vouchers in the Gilpin Court redevelopment: RRHA outlines housing voucher plan amid Gilpin Court redevelopment concerns | WRIC ABC 8News
Councilwoman Stephanie Lynch is quoted as saying:
“If I get my voucher, is there another unit that’s going to accept that voucher and give me a safe place to land?” asked Councilwoman Stephanie Lynch. “The vouchers don’t matter if you don’t have landlords and the units to accept those vouchers for
people to move into.”
RRHA appreciates the opportunity to clarify how vouchers work as part of the Gilpin Court redevelopment process. While we welcome Councilwoman Lynch’s concern for our residents, it is important to note that under Virginia Fair Housing law, landlords are prohibited from refusing to accept a housing voucher. Such refusal is considered “source of income” discrimination.
RRHA currently works with more than 575 landlords across the City of Richmond who are already housing RRHA voucher holders. As redevelopment moves forward, our relocation specialists will continue to support families in identifying and securing safe, affordable housing. Incentive programs, including landlord bonuses and reimbursements for resident application fees, are also in place to encourage participation and ease the transition for residents.
That said, we agree that more can be done to strengthen housing opportunities for our families. This is where leadership from Councilwoman Lynch can be especially impactful. In her role, she can:
- Encourage landlords in her district to participate in the voucher program and comply with Fair Housing law.
- Collaborate with RRHA and her colleagues on City Council to create a citywide master list of landlords across all nine districts who are open to voucher holders.
- Support RRHA in advocating for legislative changes that would allow the agency to apply for and secure additional vouchers while federal allocations remain available.
Redevelopment is happening — and it is an opportunity to ensure that families not only have vouchers in hand but also real housing options. RRHA looks forward to partnering with Councilwoman Lynch and the entire City Council to turn concern into concrete solutions that directly benefit the residents we serve. ■