What Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority does

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) is a public housing authority and political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, established in 1955 to administer federal housing assistance programs in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The organization operates a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) program distributing 956 vouchers to eligible low-income households, and owns and manages four housing portfolios totaling approximately 280 units: Franklin Heights (129 units of mixed-type, EarthCraft-certified affordable housing), J.R. "Polly" Lineweaver Apartments and Annex (121 elderly/disabled units with solar arrays), and Commerce Village (30 permanent supportive housing units for chronically homeless and veterans). Beyond direct housing administration, HRHA runs complementary programs including Family Self-Sufficiency (with an MtW-restructured Goal Rewards incentive of up to $14,250), the Homebuyer Assistance Program (up to $6,000 down payment and $4,000 closing-cost aid for first-time buyers at 50%-80% AMI), the Western Virginia Continuum of Care lead-agency function, and community enrichment assets including Court Square Theater and the Kelley Street Garden. In January 2021, HRHA was selected for HUD's Moving to Work expansion cohort #1, granting local policy discretion on triennial recertifications, project-based voucher scale-up to 50%, and incentive-driven program design.\n\nHRHA's business model is fully funded by federal and state appropriations rather than commercial revenue: approximately $9 million annually flows through activities such as Housing Assistance Payments, Continuum of Care grants, CDBG, the Virginia Homeless Solutions Program, and MtW programmatic budgets. Pricing to residents is structured as income-based rent (30% of adjusted monthly income), with eligibility screened against area median income thresholds (50% for HCV; 50%-80% AMI for senior/disabled and homebuyer programs). Distribution channels are dual: tenant-based vouchers flow through private-market landlords (HRHA recruits landlords via info sessions, a landlord portal, and cash incentives), while project-based vouchers and supportive housing flow through HRHA-owned properties. Technology stack consists of standard PHA SaaS — RentCafe/Securecafe portals for applicants, tenants, and landlords, an HMIS for regional homeless coordination, and Aurora Vision for solar monitoring. No proprietary technology, AI/ML systems, APIs, or developer-accessible platforms are disclosed.\n\nThe strategic pipeline is dominated by Bluestone Town Center, an 84-acre mixed-use master plan with EquityPlus encompassing approximately 870 units of mixed-income housing plus service-oriented commercial space, phased over 3-6 years — a roughly 3x expansion of HRHA's owned inventory. Revenue concentration on HUD is effectively absolute; no private capital, equity, or debt instruments are involved. HRHA is governed by a Board of Commissioners and led by Executive Director Michael G. Wong with a staff of approximately 15 distributed across executive, HCV, finance, property management, FSS, HMIS, and grants functions.

Name

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Legal name

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Website

https://harrisonburgrha.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) is a Virginia political subdivision administering 956 federal Housing Choice Vouchers and managing ~280 owned affordable housing units across the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County for low-income families, elderly, disabled, homeless, and veteran residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Housing and Affordable Housing Services

NAICS

Other Community Housing Services (624229), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (62331)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based) (FSALAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

State & Local Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) (FSALAKAA), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Down Payment Assistance (DPA) & Homebuyer Subsidy Programs (FSALAKAE), Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

Headquarters

HQ city

Harrisonburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. HUD Housing Assistance Payments: Federally funded program providing rent assistance for eligible low-income families through Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). HRHA receives approximately $9 million annually through various activities to fund affordable housing initiatives and related support services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HRHA administers federally-funded Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance to eligible low-income families across the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, currently distributing 956 vouchers. The authority owns and manages four affordable housing property portfolios totaling 280 units, including Franklin Heights, J.R. 'Polly' Lineweaver Apartments & Annex, and Commerce Village, while operating a Family Self-Sufficiency program offering up to $14,250 in goal rewards and a Homebuyer Assistance Program providing down payment and closing cost support.

Product overview

HRHA operates as a traditional housing authority offering federally-funded rental assistance programs rather than a software product. The core offering is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) program distributing 956 vouchers. Supporting programs include Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) for resident empowerment and the Homebuyer Assistance Program for down payment support. HRHA owns and manages four housing properties: Franklin Heights (129 units), J.R. 'Polly' Lineweaver Apartments & Lineweaver Annex (121 combined units for seniors/disabled), and Commerce Village (30 permanent supportive housing units). Major initiatives include the planned Bluestone Town Center mixed-use development, Court Square Theater cultural venue, Kelley Street Garden community program, and the Moving to Work designation enabling policy flexibility. Online portals (Securecafe, RentCafe) provide applicant, tenant, and landlord access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 Federally-funded rental assistance program providing vouchers to eligible low-income families (at or below 50% of area median income) to help afford housing in the private market. Participants pay 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent while HRHA pays the remainder directly to landlords. The HCV waiting list was closed as of August 2024 due to demand exceeding supply.
• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program A 5-year supportive services program helping voucher holders and Franklin Heights/Harrison Heights residents achieve self-sufficiency through goal setting, financial coaching, and incentives. Under the Moving to Work transition, the traditional escrow/savings program was replaced with a Goal Rewards program where participants can earn up to $14,250 through goal-related activities including budgeting, higher education, FSS event participation, and income increases.
• Homebuyer Assistance Program Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers earning 50%-80% of area median income. Offers up to $6,000 in down payment assistance through a low-interest (1.5%) loan over a 5-year term, and up to $4,000 in closing cost assistance through a forgivable loan (no payback if residing in the home for 5 years).
• Franklin Heights Property Portfolio Affordable housing property with 129 units (apartments, townhouses, single-family homes ranging 1-5 bedrooms) with project-based voucher assistance. Renovated in 2008/2009 to EarthCraft certified design standards. Located in Northeast Harrisonburg near Reservoir Street.
• J.R. 'Polly' Lineweaver Apartments & Lineweaver Annex Elderly and disabled housing with 61 units (47 efficiencies, 14 one-bedroom) at Lineweaver Apartments for ages 62+ or disabled at 80% AMI, and 60 one-bedroom units at Lineweaver Annex for ages 55+ or disabled at 60% AMI ($717/month including utilities). Features solar arrays monitored by Aurora Vision (EasyView) and a Service Coordinator connecting residents with local services.
• Commerce Village Permanent Supportive Housing Permanent supportive housing with 30 one-bedroom apartments designated for chronically homeless individuals, medically vulnerable individuals, and chronically homeless veterans. Includes a peer support program (Commerce Village Peer Support) and connections to local services. Operated Tuesday through Friday, 7am to 5pm.
• Landlord Services and HCV Landlord Partnership Program HCV landlord participation program offering direct rent payments, landlord incentives ($250-$400 for new landlords), and an online landlord portal (RentCafe) for managing properties, viewing ledger details, updating bank information, seeing inspection results, and reviewing tenant caseworker data. Includes 45-minute Zoom info sessions and a Landlord Unit Affordability Calculator.

Quantifiable outcome

• $14,250 maximum FSS Goal Rewards
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Jones Garden Inc.supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2021Constructed raised beds for Kelley Street garden. Supported local community effort to increase fresh food access for HRHA residents.
• Central Shenandoah Valley Master GardenerssupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2021Provided hands-on learning experiences at garden site including soil testing, composting, vegetable/flower guidance, and regular monthly support for resident gardeners.
• JMU Dining (Aramark)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2021Provided financial assistance through Aramark Building Communities and Alliance for Strong Families and Communities for Kelley Street garden project. Sponsored garden events including Dinner in the Garden and Fall Cookout.
• Black Bear CompostingsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2021Contributed finished compost to the garden as part of Harrisonburg's circular economy where local residents and restaurants capture food scraps for composting.
• EquityPluscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for Bluestone Town Center mixed-use development. HRHA anticipates building a mixed-use development on 84 acres at the intersection of Erickson Avenue and Garbers Church Road, containing about 870 units of mixed-income housing with service-oriented commercial space.
• Money Fit by DRSsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNationwide nonprofit resource providing financial counseling and education services including budget/credit-building, debt management, fair housing counseling, pre-purchase homebuyer preparation, and rental rights education for HRHA clients.
• Western Virginia Continuum of Care (CoC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional coalition of shelter, housing, and service providers (Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Warren, Fredrick, Clarke Counties) to address and work to end homelessness. HRHA serves as lead agency for CoC Grant and Virginia Homeless Solution Grant.
• City of HarrisonburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), community enrichment projects including Lucy Simms Continuing Education Center, Harrisonburg Community Resource Center, and joint homeownership assistance program.
• Arts Council of the ValleysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHRHA owns Court Square Theater, a multi-use performance venue run by the Arts Council of the Valley, dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the community.
• Way 2 Go (Transportation Partner)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit transportation partner helping FSS program participants access transportation for jobs, education, and health appointments. Provided vehicles to program participants.
• Valley Association of Independent LivingsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRuns Service Coordinator Grant helping residents at Lineweaver Annex and JR Polly Lineweaver apartment complex connect with local services.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lynchburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Virginia PHA operating HCV, public housing, and supportive housing for low-income households. Comparable in scale and programmatic mix to HRHA's Shenandoah Valley service area.
• Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Virginia PHA administering HCV/Section 8, public housing units, and supportive housing programs under HUD rules with MtW-like flexibilities. Directly comparable in mission, funding streams, and regulatory framework to HRHA.
• Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Virginia PHA delivering Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and supportive services. Comparable in program portfolio and HUD regulatory framework to HRHA.
• Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Virginia PHA managing HCV vouchers, public housing properties, and mixed-income redevelopment. Comparable in administering HUD-funded rental assistance, property management, and homebuyer programs in an urban Virginia setting.
• Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Western Virginia PHA administering Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and supportive services in a regional Virginia market. Closely comparable in geographic scale and program mix to HRHA.
• Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Virginia PHA administering HCV/Section 8 and affordable housing units in a college-town market. Similar profile to HRHA in administering HUD programs for low-income households in a mid-sized Virginia city.
• Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation: Virginia municipal housing entity administering HCV vouchers, public housing, and supportive services. Comparable in HUD-funded affordable housing delivery to HRHA, though operating in a larger coastal market.
• Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Virginia PHA providing HCV/Section 8, public housing, and homeownership pathways including homebuyer assistance. Directly comparable in administering HUD programs and Homebuyer Assistance-type products like HRHA.

Broad incumbents

• Virginia Housing (Virginia Housing Development Authority): State-level housing finance agency administering LIHTC, mortgage financing, and rental assistance programs across Virginia. Comparable as a funder/regulator and LIHTC issuer that works in tandem with PHAs like HRHA.
• Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development: Large Virginia county housing agency administering HCV vouchers and affordable housing programs at much greater scale. Relevant as a broader incumbent in the same Virginia PHA ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HarrisonburgRHA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hrha

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority