The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors held a Budget Public Input Meeting on February 22, 2025, where community members voiced urgent concerns regarding affordable housing and the need for permanent financial assistance programs.

The meeting began with a call for the approval of $10 million in budget funds to establish a permanent rental voucher program. Speakers emphasized the critical need for ongoing support to alleviate financial burdens faced by low-income families. Nubia Menendez, a resident of Leesburg, shared her personal struggles with housing affordability, highlighting the inadequacy of current temporary assistance programs. She urged the board to make eviction prevention programs permanent and to expedite the implementation of a robust rental assistance system.

Following Menendez, Yvonne Jaimes, also from Leesburg, echoed similar sentiments. She described the rising costs of rent, which had exceeded $2,000 a month for her family, and the challenges posed by reduced work opportunities in construction. Jaimes called for the board's support in approving the proposed $10 million budget allocation for a permanent housing voucher program, emphasizing its potential to provide significant relief for families like hers.

Carlos Morales, another member of the New Virginia Majority, continued the discussion by sharing his experiences of living in the county for a decade. He reiterated the pressing need for affordable housing solutions and the importance of sustained financial assistance for vulnerable families.

The meeting underscored a growing consensus among community members regarding the necessity of permanent housing support as they face escalating rental costs and economic instability. The board's response to these requests will be crucial in shaping future housing policies in Loudoun County.