Dedicated Affordable Rental Housing
The following developments offer dedicated affordable rental housing in the City of Fairfax. These units are managed by property owners, not Fairfax County. Please contact the leasing offices directly for availability:
Scout on the Circle
24 units available
9450 Fairfax Boulevard
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Dedicated Affordable Housing for Sale
The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development administers affordable dwelling units on behalf of the City of Fairfax.
Sutton Heights (3500 block Pickett Road) - Five townhomes
Status: SOLD
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Other Affordable Housing Programs
City of Fairfax residents may qualify for resources available through Fairfax County's Department of Housing and Community Development, including Housing Choice and Project-Based Vouchers as well as other affordable housing programs.
For details on the First-Time Homebuyers Program offered through Fairfax County's Department of Housing and Community Development:
Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church
Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization that makes home repairs at no charge for low-income homeowners. They prioritize serving older adults, people living with disabilities, families with children and veterans. Nearly all the work is done by dedicated skilled volunteers.
Home Repair for the Elderly Program
City of Fairfax residents may also be eligible for Fairfax County's Department of Housing and Community Development's Home Repair for the Elderly Program, which provides minor home repairs to eligible low- and moderate-income elderly homeowners who live in the home.
Access legal protections and resources for tenants and landlords below.
Fair Housing
Federal and state fair housing laws protect people from discrimination when trying to rent an apartment, buy a house, obtain a mortgage, or purchase homeowner's insurance. Fair housing requirements apply to all housing providers: property managers, owners, landlords, real estate agents, banks, savings institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, mortgage lenders, and appraisers.
Virginia Fair Housing Office
If you believe your fair housing rights have been violated or have questions about housing discrimination:
Tenant and Landlord Resources
Tenants and landlords have legal protections under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). The VRLTA applies to most residential rental properties in Virginia.
View emergency shelter, day services, and support programs below.
To access Emergency Shelter, contact Coordinated Services Planning. A Human Services Specialist will work with you to identify your family's needs and to determine eligibility for shelter or other emergency services and make the necessary referrals.
Coordinated Services Planning
Phone: 703-222-0880 (TTY 711)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hypothermia Prevention Program
Between December 1 and March 31, the Hypothermia Prevention Program is open.
Day Shelter Services
The Lamb Center offers day shelter services:
- Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Additional Resources
Understanding Encampments
What qualifies as an encampment? The City of Fairfax defines an encampment as any outdoor area where people have set up temporary living spaces using tents, tarps, mattresses, or camping equipment. This includes locations where personal belongings accumulate and remain even when residents aren't present.
What's not considered an encampment:
- People sleeping without established shelters
- Individuals with mobile belongings like shopping carts
- General litter or trash in public spaces
- Panhandling activities
Reporting Process
How to report an encampment on city property:
- Online: Visit the City of Fairfax website and use Fairfax City Resolve
- Mobile app: Download the Fairfax City Resolve (Ready 311) app
- Phone: Call Fairfax City Police non-emergency line at 703-385-7924
What information to include:
- Specific location details
- Photos (if using the 311 app)
- Map pin showing exact location
Important note: The city only has authority over encampments on city-owned property. For private land or other public property, contact the relevant property owner.
City Response Protocol
What happens after you report: The city's first step is outreach, not removal. Trained staff connect with encampment residents to discuss shelter and housing options, which helps prevent people from simply moving to another location.
Standard timeline:
- Two-week notice period: Residents receive advance warning before any removal
- Immediate action: Only taken when public health or safety is at immediate risk
- Support services: Available throughout the process
Why the two-week approach: Encampment residents often have jobs and important personal belongings. The advance notice allows time to secure items and access support services. This approach aligns with Fairfax County's protocol.
The Shelter Question
Why don't people use existing shelters? The reality is stark: there simply aren't enough emergency shelter beds or affordable housing units for everyone who needs them in our community.
Beyond capacity issues, shelters present challenges for many people. The communal living environment and lack of privacy can be overwhelming for individuals already dealing with trauma and instability.
The city's approach: Rather than simply directing people to shelters, the city partners with nonprofit outreach teams to help unhoused residents develop personalized paths toward stable housing that meet their specific needs and circumstances.