Frequently Asked Questions

Home of Your Own Program:

Must be at least 18 years of age
Have diagnosis of developmental disability, cognitive disability, and/or physical limitations which are ongoing in nature and preclude the client from earning a living wage
Develop a Circle of Support (family, friends, or community members dedicated to the welfare of the client)
Receive residential support services from another agency (if necessary) to assure success in living in the community. RH does not provide support services in the Home of Your Own program
Willingness to sign a rental agreement with RH and a strong desire to live in a Home of Your Own
Show evidence of income. Some homes may require clients meet HUD low-income requirements.

Supportive Housing Program:

A person must be homeless, according to the HUD definition, in order to receive assistance under the Supportive Housing Program.

HUD considers a person homeless only when he/she resides in one of the following places: (1) In places not meant for human habitation (cars, parks, sidewalks), (2) In an emergency shelter, (3) In transitional or supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency shelters, (4) In any of the above places but is spending a short time (up to 30 consecutive days) in a hospital or other institution, (5) Is being evicted within a week from a private dwelling unit and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing, (6) Is being discharged within a week from an institution, such as a mental health facility, in which the person has been a resident for more than 30 consecutive days and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing, (7) Is fleeing a domestic violence housing situation and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.

Rush

Homes

will use HUD guidelines to establish proof of homelessness, which is a requirement.

In addition to being homeless, the person must also have a disability to be eligible for the Rush Homes Supportive Housing Program. The person must provide written verification from a qualified source that he/she has a disability. That disability must meet HUD criteria.

The third eligibility requirement is for the person to meet HUD income standards. The person must be considered low-income by HUD standards.

The final eligibility requirement is for the person to pass a criminal background check, drug test, and show readiness to enter permanent housing. Rush Homes reserves the right to determine program readiness.

How do you request an Application?

To request an application, simply go to the Programs page, under the "About" menu.

Next, click on the program you would

like to apply for, read the description and download the application and application letter from the menu. Fill it out and send it to our address.

What happens after my application is received by Rush Homes?

Once your application is received,

Rush

Homes

will send you a receipt and then forward the application to the Housing Selection Committee. The housing selection committee will review it, along with other received applications, at their regular meeting. They will determine if you are eligible or not. If you are eligible, you will be placed on our waiting list. Housing is selected on

Rush

Homes

’ ability to secure homes that meet applicants’ needs. Whenever possible, selection is based on the order in which the application is received. Applicants who are not selected will be informed in writing with an explanation of why they were not deemed eligible.

How long will it take to get into a Rush Home?

It could take as long as 3-4 years to get into a home in the Home of Your Own Program. We have a very long waiting list and we are a small organization. The waiting time may not be as long in the Supportive Housing Program. Please call our office for more details.

How much will I be charged for rent?

Rush

Homes

follows HUD guidelines when charging rent. In the Supportive Housing Program, the rent is 30% of your income. In the Home of Your Own Program, it depends on the number of bedrooms in the home as to how much the rent will be. Having a roommate allows the rent to be split in half. For example, if the rent for your home is $300 per month, you will pay $150 and your roommate will pay $150. We do accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Will my house have to be located in Lynchburg?

No, the house can be located in the cities of

Lynchburg

Bedford

as well as the counties of

Amherst

Appomattox

Bedford

, and

Campbell

Do I have to have a roommate?

In most cases, it is not necessary to have a roommate. Having a roommate does, however, make the rent less expensive for each person.

What is a circle of support?

A circle of support is a group of friends, family members, and other concerned individuals who are willing to help you whenever you need it.

Rush

Homes

asks that clients in the Home of Your Own program form a circle of support because it greatly benefits clients who need help to live independently in their home. Some clients will not need a circle of support; it just depends on the type of disability.

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