Georgia U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff announced Georgia would receive more than $140 million in federal grants to address affordable housing needs across the state. This funding is aimed at providing safe, affordable housing to Georgians who have struggled to make rent/mortgage payments amid the economic consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ossoff and Warnock ran on the premise, if elected, they would provide relief to long-suffering individuals.
“Housing, or the lack thereof, impacts every aspect of our lives, and getting people in safe, secure housing can ease the path toward obtaining reliable health care, pursuing educational opportunities, and gaining steady employment,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This funding will help people to face and overcome long-standing challenges that have only been exacerbated by this pandemic, and I am proud to see these federal housing investments directed where they are most needed.”
The funding comes from the $5 billion HOME Investment Partnerships Program provision included in the American Rescue Plan, created to strengthen affordable housing options and support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These grants will be used to help Georgians with low-incomes, in both urban and rural communities, rehabilitate owner-occupied housing, provide assistance to low-income homebuyers, construct affordable rental housing, expand tenant-based rental assistance to help keep people housed, and provide additional support to those experiencing eviction and homelessness.
The City of Atlanta will receive nearly $8 million, DeKalb County will receive $7.8 million, Gwinnett County will receive $7.6 million, Cobb County will receive more than $5.5 million, and Clayton County will receive more than $3.9 million.
Cities and towns with less than 50,000 residents (and counties with less than 200,000 residents) will receive portions of the $87.6 million remaining in the fund, not earmarked for the larger cities and counties.
“Senator Rev. Warnock and I are proud to deliver this critical funding to help build and maintain more affordable housing and provide additional rental assistance to those struggling to pay the rent. Any Georgian struggling to access housing or rental assistance should contact my office for assistance – I am here to serve,” Senator Ossoff said.
Democrats have recently thanked Senators Ossoff and Reverend Warnock for passing the American Rescue Plan, which will provide 88% of Georgia’s population — 6.3 million adults and 2.9 million children — with direct payments of up to $1,400.
