Georgia awards more than $13 million for real estate investment programs

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is giving more than $13 million to communities across the state for new housing investments.

The $13.03 million awarded by DCA will be disbursed to 19 communities in the form of Georgia Community HOME Investment Program grants, funded by allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

CHIP funds should be used to build affordable housing, officials say.

“Housing is a critical need in Georgia,” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “I am proud of these communities who are carefully pursuing affordable housing solutions.”

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Officials said CHIP funds are awarded through a competitive and collaborative process involving assessments and ratings for applicants. Funds are provided to communities that “demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing” in Georgia.

“New Construction Fellows will receive up to $1,500,000 to build single-family homes for eligible very low-income buyers. Up to $500,000 will be awarded to communities for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation projects. Homeowners must earn less than 80% of the area median income to qualify for financing,” the DCA said.

Communities that receive CHIP funds will contribute more than $5 million in grants, officials said.

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Here is how and where the funds are used:

New construction winners

Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity (Garden City) receives $1,500,000 to build 10 homes
Gwinnett Housing Corporation receives $1,500,000 to build 38 homes
Sylvester Housing Authority receives $1,030,000 to build four homes
Town of Warner Robins receives $1,500,000 to build 10 homes

Owner-occupied rehabilitation fellows

Baldwin County receives $500,000 to rehabilitate six homes
Town of Byron receives $500,000 to rehabilitate six homes
Town of Cochran receives $500,000 to rehabilitate seven homes
Town of Colquitt receives $500,000 to rehabilitate seven homes
Town of Cordele receives $500,000 to rehabilitate eight homes
Damascus city receives $500,000 to rehabilitate eight houses
City of Homeland receives $500,000 to rehabilitate seven homes
Town of Meigs receives $500,000 to rehabilitate seven homes
Town of Millen receives $500,000 to rehabilitate five homes
The town of Moultrie receives $500,000 to rehabilitate seven houses
Town of Perry receives $500,000 to rehabilitate eight homes
The Town of Thomson receives $500,000 to rehabilitate five houses
Town of Waycross receives $500,000 to rehabilitate eight homes
Family Community Housing Corporation (Atlanta) receives $500,000 to rehabilitate 13
New Foundations Corporation (Calhoun) receives $500,000 to rehabilitate eight homes