I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

To Whom it my concern, I am writing on behalf of HB1124. In my current role, I am tasked with maintaining a pipeline of buildable parcels throughout the Richmond Metro area to ensure some of our area's most vulnerable citizens have a safe, affordable place to call home. In my short time in this position, we have been in contact with multiple faith based organizations, of various denominations, who both own buildable property and have the desire to provide affordable housing for those in need in their local community. They see it as an extension of their beliefs and mission. A major barrier to executing on their dreams of providing stable shelter, is the often 18 to 24 month process of achieving suitable zoning for their proposed projects. Re-Zoning is a complicated and time consuming process for seasoned professionals and can be an expensive investment. Removing this hurdle has the potential to open up large amounts of urban and sub-urban buildable property across the Commonwealth, easing the strain on inventory and adding valuable resources to the respective communities in which these organizations are located. When we can remove regulation without compromising the quality of the end product and clear hurdles for non-professional developers to assist in the delivery of affordable housing, we all win. I urge you to give this legislation its due consideration and to subsequently push this effort forward. Thank you for all you do, Matt Waring Interim COO, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity