Congressman Bobby Scott, Habitat for Humanity Convene Housing Affordability Roundtable in Newport News
Congressman Bobby Scott joined Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg on July 10 for a Housing Affordability Roundtable that brought together elected officials, housing professionals and community advocates to tackle the region’s growing housing challenges.
The conversation started on the ground — literally — with a tour of Austin Landing, Habitat’s new four-home development on 24th Street in Newport News. Participants then crossed the street to Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church, where the conversation focused on increasing housing supply, lowering barriers to homeownership, preserving existing affordable homes and preventing displacement.
The discussion came at a pivotal time. Hours later, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became federal law. The legislation encourages housing construction, expands access to small-dollar mortgages, supports home repairs and modernizes several federal housing programs.
“At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that the home is the foundation for everything,” said Shauntrice Williams, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “An affordable home creates opportunities for children to succeed in school, for families to build wealth, for neighborhoods to thrive, and for communities to grow stronger.”
Williams welcomed Scott along with Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, Newport News City Councilman Cleon Long, Virginia Delegate Marcia “Cia” Price and representatives from local government and community organizations.
Scott, who convened the discussion, praised Habitat’s work and emphasized the difference each affordable home can make.
“I know for these families, these houses will certainly make a huge difference in their lives,” Scott said. “And it will make a huge difference in the city because it enhances the number of people that own their homes. We look forward not only to these homes, but many more.”
Housing supply is a major factor driving affordability challenges and homelessness. Provisions of the new federal law will support the local governments, community financial institutions and housing organizations working to address it.
The law expands the use of Community Development Block Grant funding for affordable housing construction, supports whole-home repairs and aims to make mortgages under $100,000 more accessible. It also encourages communities to streamline the planning and permitting processes that often slow housing development.
Austin Landing Continues a Legacy of Community Service
Austin Landing will create four affordable homeownership opportunities for local families who qualify through Habitat’s homebuyer program. The homes are being developed in partnership with the Newport News Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Sentara Health, with donated materials and additional support from community partners.
The property was once home to The Road Ahead Center, a ministry associated with Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church that provided food, clothing and other assistance to Newport News residents for more than four decades.
Habitat homes are not given away. Rather, they are sold at no profit and with zero interest loans to qualified buyers with affordable mortgages. Participating families complete financial and homeownership education and contribute at least 300 hours of “sweat equity” by working on Habitat homes, volunteering in Habitat ReStores and participating in other approved activities.
Price, who also serves on Habitat’s Board of Directors, described Habitat as “a sustainable program that shows what can be done and what people can accomplish when unnecessary obstacles are removed from their way.”
Local Leaders Outline Housing Strategies
Officials shared concrete steps underway to boost housing construction and make homeownership attainable for more residents.
Councilman Long discussed Newport News’ Strategic Housing Initiatives Plan, or SHIP, which establishes goals for increasing housing construction, expanding homeownership and making assistance available to a broader portion of the city’s workforce.
Among the strategies being considered are expanded down-payment assistance, support for small-scale developers, housing rehabilitation programs, a community land trust and zoning changes that could make it easier to build homes on the many 25-foot-wide lots in Southeast Newport News.
Mayor Jones highlighted opportunities created by Virginia’s Faith in Housing Act, which can help faith-based organizations use underutilized land for housing. The city also plans to hold a public town hall about developing affordable housing on church-owned property.
Jones highlighted opportunities created by Virginia’s Faith in Housing bill, which can make it easier for faith-based organizations to use underutilized land for affordable housing. The city plans to hold a public town hall about developing housing on church-owned property.
Jay Grant, Administrator of Housing and Neighborhood Services for the City of Newport News, discussed the city’s forthcoming citywide Facade Improvement Grant Program. The initiative is expected to help qualifying homeowners complete exterior repairs such as roofing, siding, porches, sidewalks, driveways and gutters.
Price outlined additional state efforts related to housing construction, eviction prevention, tenant protections and the Virginia Housing Trust Fund.
Preserving Homes and Preventing Displacement
Participants stressed that solving the housing crisis requires both building new homes and protecting the affordable housing that already exists.
Natasha Stewart, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together of Hampton Roads, highlighted the need for increased funding for critical repairs and accessibility improvements that allow older adults and residents with disabilities to remain safely in their homes.
“What we know is the most affordable housing is the housing that you already live in,” Stewart said.
Yvette Young, Director of Workforce Development at the Hampton Roads Community Action Program, highlighted the organization’s homeownership education, financial counseling and eviction-prevention assistance.
Charvālla West, president and CEO of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, shared the region’s progress in reducing evictions through partnerships among local governments, nonprofits and service providers. She reported that the share of households receiving eviction notices that ultimately experienced a lockout declined from approximately 25% in the first quarter of 2023 to 15% during the same period in 2026.
“In this meeting, I think we spent more time talking about the solutions than we did on the problem,” Scott said in closing. “We know we’ve got a problem and we’re working on it.”
