Albany, Douglasville, Perry, Porterdale and Rincon “Graduate” from Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Program
Group Completes 3-Year Program That Helps Communities Address Housing Needs
Atlanta, GA (10/04/2016) – (RealEstateRama) — Local leaders from the cities of Albany, Douglasville, Perry, Porterdale and Rincon were recognized for their communities’ completion of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program at the annual retreat held September 20-22 in Gainesville.
The 2016 GICH awards were presented by Carmen Chubb, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Deputy Commissioner for Housing; Dr. Sheri Worthy, head of The University of Georgia (UGA)’s Department of Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer Economics; Lamar Norton, executive director of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA); Steve Foster, senior urban advisor at the Georgia Power Company; and Rob Gordon, director of the UGA Archway Partnership.
Launched in 2004, GICH helps communities improve their quality of life and economic vitality through the development of housing and revitalization strategies. GICH offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance. During a community’s participation, team members work to create and launch a locally-based plan to meet local housing needs. GICH grew out of Georgia’s experience with the National League of Cities’ Affordable Housing Program.
DCA, along with GMA and UGA’s Housing and Demographics Research Center (HDRC) serve as GICH’s primary partners. The program is funded by Georgia Power and the U.S. Department of Agriculture through a Rural Community Development Initiative grant. UGA’s Cooperative Extension and Public Service and Outreach units, Archway Partnership and Carl Vinson Institute of Government serve as GICH’s implementation partners.
Ten more Georgia communities pick GICH’s expertise to address local housing needs
Other communities throughout Georgia have also been quick to recognize the GICH’s value.
The communities of Cedartown, Liberty County, Madison, Pine Mountain and Trion were accepted into the program in 2014. These cities are scheduled to complete the program in 2017.
Athens-Clarke County, Evans County and the cities of Millen, Monroe and Rockmart were accepted into the program in 2015. These communities are scheduled to complete the program in 2018.
GICH accepts applications from prospective program participants each year in early September. For additional information about GICH, contact Program Director Karen Tinsley at 706-542-4949 or 
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About the Georgia Department of Community Affairs
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to create a climate of success for Georgia’s families and businesses through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified low- and moderate-income Georgians buy homes, rent housing, and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov.
CONTACT:
Karen Tinsley, GICH Program Director
The University of Georgia
(o) 706-542-4949
