Housing & Community Development

WHO WE ARE

The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), through its community partners, provides grant funding to support affordable housing, economic development, public service, and public facilities and improvements activities to support the Athens community. Please note that HCD does not provide housing or direct services to the community.

HCD manages the use of HUD federal funding granted to local organizations through:

  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
  • HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
  • Continuum of Care (CoC) grants

Additionally, HCD manages the use of:

  • Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
  • Local ACCGov general funds

These funds are allocated to support affordable housing, homelessness, youth services, mental health initiatives, and public services in Athens-Clarke County.

Mission

The Housing and Community Development (HCD) department provides funding for the creation and rehabilitation of affordable housing, fosters and coordinates services for disadvantaged populations, and promotes economic mobility among residents of Athens-Clarke County.

If you are seeking services for housing or homeless-related needs, please click the “Looking for Help” button to the right of this screen and it will lead to resources available in Athens-Clarke County.

Goals

The goals of the HCD are to:

  • Provide Information & Support: Offer accurate information, comprehensive research, and timely advice to the public, management, and staff in support of housing, economic development, and community development to foster positive community outcomes.

  • Increase Affordable Housing: Increase affordable housing activity and production in Athens-Clarke County through ongoing strategic planning, greater funding opportunities, enhanced community awareness of available housing programs, and stronger public/private partnerships.

  • Support Employment: Help low- to moderate-income residents and the chronically unemployed overcome barriers to full-time, regular employment.

  • Promote Small Business Growth: Encourage the growth and establishment of small- to medium-sized businesses to stimulate job creation.

  • Enhance Public Health & Welfare: Improve the public health and welfare of Athens-Clarke County residents.

  • Reduce Homelessness: Work towards reducing homelessness in Athens-Clarke County.


                                           Community Assessments

                                                                GICH

                                              Annual Grant Awards

                                              Annual Income Limits