To the Fairfax County Community,
Due to the pandemic and the economic crisis we are in, many in our community have been unable to pay their rent. It's disturbing that in the midst of a public health crisis of a global scale, that there are many who must also fear losing their home. I recently supported the Governor's request to further extend the moratorium on evictions by sending
a letter to the Chief Judge of the Fairfax County General District Court. Unfortunately, the Courts will not be able to support this extension and eviction proceedings return tomorrow.
The Board and County staff are working to keep as many people out of the eviction process as possible. Below, I outline what you need to know on evictions and the resources available. Please, if you or someone you know is unable to pay their rent, share this information with them.
See below for the full July 9 edition of my newsletter. For the resources mentioned in past newsletters, visit my
website. If you have a friend who would like to sign up for this newsletter, they can do so
here.
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Fairfax County Eviction Actions
- A diverse cross-agency team has been created to support efforts to prevent and intervene during the eviction process.
- This team is proactively making contact with the current eviction cases and as legally feasible, communicating with those in the eviction process on how to get housing assistance from community based organizations who have received the CARES Act Basic Needs funds.
- Additional efforts are made to reach those who are vulnerable and Spanish speaking that might not have internet access.
- Additionally, the team will be working on ensuring information on available resources is shared on the court’s website, posted at the court house, and that additional information on resources can accompany eviction documents.
Federal and State Eviction Policies
- A federal moratorium has been placed until July 25 on evictions, late fees, and other penalties that apply to all federally insured mortgages (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, HUD, VA) and properties participating in a covered housing program (like Section 8 vouchers).
- To help borrowers and renters who are at risk of losing their home due to coronavirus, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend their single-family moratorium on foreclosures and evictions until at least August 31, 2020.
- In Virginia, you can request a 60-day continuance from the Judge.
- More federal and state protections can be found here and find out if you are covered by federal protections here.
Housing Resources
- For assistance with rent (or utilities and food), please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880.
- The line is multilingual and Fairfax County doesn't ask for immigration status.
- Find out if you are covered by the Federal Eviction Moratorium or other protections.
- Search this database to see if your residence is covered.
- Stay Home Virginia, provides resources for renters, homeowners, landlords, and the homeless.
- For FCRHA residents: If you are experiencing difficulties in meeting monthly rent payment, you should contact your assigned housing specialist.
- Virginia Poverty Law Center: Call the Eviction Helpline, 833-NOEVICT (833-663-8428) in English and Spanish.
- Legal Services of Northern Virginia: Call 703-778-6800 from 9:30am-12:30pm and from 1:30-3:30pm, Monday-Thursday.
- Your rights as a tenant during the outbreak can be found here.
Fairfax County Government Operating Status
- The community is still encouraged to take advantage of our assistance from a distance offered online or by phone.
- However, some government buildings are now open for in-person services.
- Services include: tax counters, building permits, plans and inspections, zoning permits and applications, health clinics, and the Community Services Board which provides services for behavioral health, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities.
- Libraries will reopen (more below), RECenters will begin a phased reopening July 13, and the status of other Park Authority facilities can be found here.
Phase 3
- The Governor's Office has published a comprehensive FAQ on Phase 3 here.
- Guidelines for businesses can be found in English and Spanish.
Libraries
- All Fairfax County Public Library branches will open for express services beginning July 13.
- Services are focused on grab-and-go style activities, so daily visits are limited to 30 minutes. Library users may browse the shelves, use a computer, and pick up holds.
- Returned library materials will quarantined for 72 hours.
- Meeting rooms will continue to be unavailable.
- Virtual programs including e-books and audio books and contactless curbside pickup will continue to be offered.
- Express services hours:
- Monday-Tuesday, 10am-8pm
- Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm
- Curbside pickup hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Camp Fairfax
- Registration is still open for Camp Fairfax - an abbreviated summer program for elementary school age children of working families from July 13-August 7.
- Camp Fairfax will be at 18 locations across the County, from 7:30am-5:30pm each day.
- Camps will feature outdoor adventures, performing arts, sports & recreation, visual arts, science exploration, and creative writing.
- Current CDC health and safety guidelines will be implemented.
- Learn more about Camp Fairfax and virtual opportunities here.
Career Fairs
How you can help
- NV Rides, a collaborative of community-based volunteer driver programs, needs volunteers to drive vulnerable seniors.
- A brief information session is being held on July 14 at 7pm.
- All drivers and riders are asked to wear masks and observe physical distancing protocols.
- Grow a Row FC is seeking volunteers to join its community-wide effort to grow fresh produce for Food for Others and its food pantry partners.
- How to participate: Dedicate a row of your garden or a container to growing food to donate. No amount is too small.
- Take your donation to Food for Others or to a drop-off in Falls Church.
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Common Health Questions:
- People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. You might experience:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Continue to follow the health guidelines:
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if that isn't an option (especially when in public places)
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
- Don't touch your face
- Social distance
- What it means to social distance, self-isolate, and quarantine.
- The CDC recommends wearing non-medical masks to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is now required in Virginia.
- The New York Times (access to COVID-19 content is free) spoke with infectious disease experts, aerosol scientists, and microbiologists to find out if COVID-19 can land on your clothing, hair, shoes, and mail.
Resources:
- Fairfax County Health Department
- To view the number of cases in Fairfax County this page is updated at noon daily.
- Visit the County site on COVID-19, Health Department Website, and see their FAQs.
- To view multilingual health materials visit the County's Language Portal.
- Sign up for text message alerts: text FFXCOVID to 888777. Para inscribirse, textear FFXCOVIDESP a 888777.
- Call the Health Department from 9am-7pm weekdays and 9:30am-5pm on weekends: 703-267-3511
- Email: [email protected]. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8am-8pm.
- Inova has a helpful FAQ.
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We recognize that we are in very trying times, but I hope you see in these newsletters that positive change has occurred over the last several months.
As I often say, we are truly lucky to live in Fairfax County where we have the resources to overcome challenges and a community who rises to the occasion.
Jeffrey C. McKay
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