Many families work hard and dream of owning a home one day. Through our ACT I Homes program, many moderate-income, first-time homeowners now have the opportunity to buy new, modern houses at an affordable price. Our ACT I Homes program opened the door to affordable homeownership with value for buyers and the community.

Homeownership contributes in the creation of healthy, viable neighborhoods. Our ACT I Homes program spearheaded new construction for in-town neighborhoods and has positioned us in the forefront of creating homeownership opportunities.
Using funds from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME funds administered by Athens-Clarke County Department of Human and Economic Development (HED), the Athens Housing Authority has worked to revitalize neighborhoods in the community. This has resulted in the construction of new homes in established neighborhoods in East Athens and the Hancock Ave. area.
To date, 13 homes have been built and sold and construction on several more homes has started.

Who Is a Typical ACT I Homes Buyer?

ACT I Homes buyers are working families earning a modest annual income. Most of the families earn between $25,000 and $35,000 a year. They work at a variety of jobs in the public and private sector. Each ACT I Homes buyer believed that the money he or she paid each month for rent could be better spent to purchase a home for his or her family.

To be eligible for an ACT I home, potential buyers must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a household income of no more than 80 percent of the median income for Athens-Clarke County (see chart below) but at least $20,000 annually in order to have sufficient funds for mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and other household and family expenses.
   
   

Number of Family Members	1	2	3	4	5	6
Maximum Family Income	$30,400	$34,750	$39,100	$43,450	$46,900	$50,400



2. Attend housing counseling.
   
   
3. Have credit scores of 600 or more.
   
   
4. Have a minimum down payment of $1,000.
   
   
5. Be financially qualified to obtain a mortgage.
   
   
6. Contact the Athens Housing Authority at 425-5411 for application information.

What Does ACT I Homes Do for the Community?

ACT I Homes helps to maintain affordable homeownership in the community. The Athens Housing Authority typically purchases vacant lots or lots with dilapidated housing for the ACT I Homes program. Construction of the houses introduces new homes and homeownership to older areas of the community. With the purchase of ACT I Homes, interest in the area is revitalized and, frequently, more homes are constructed in those areas through both public and private development. ACT I Homes helps the community by increasing the property tax base and the number of homeowners in Athens-Clarke County. It is a winning situation for everyone in the community.

For more information about ACT I Homes, call the Athens Housing Authority at 706-425-5411.

ACT I Homes is an Equal Opportunity Housing program.