Our approach to providing housing means we offer a variety of programs and services to aid our customers while maintaining affordably- priced rents. Children and youth have access to computer labs, after- school tutoring, leadership development programs, and the Boys and Girls Club. Adults may participate in money management, GED, and job skills assessment classes as well as the Inter-Community Council, a resident-run organization. We focus on providing safe, well-maintained apartment communities for 1,255 families in Athens-Clarke County.

Because of our long-term experience in and knowledge about affordable housing, we developed ACT I Homes, a first time homeownership program. Through ACT I Homes, moderate-income families, who once thought homeownership was out of reach, are now able to purchase newly constructed houses in convenient in-town neighborhoods.

We understand the need for affordable housing choices because that’s the work we’re involved in every day in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia.


What is a Housing Authority?

Although housing authorities have a strong relationship with local, state, and federal governments, they are actually independent agencies and not part of a government body. However, we are required to follow federal regulations and receive a portion of our budget from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We do not receive any funds from state or local governments, but we do provide an annual Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) of approximately $95,000 to Athens-Clarke County.

A local Board of Commissioners, appointed by the city’s mayor, governs housing authorities. This organizational structure allows housing authorities to work in conjunction with local governments and agencies to develop long-term housing strategies.


History

	Broad St. circa 1938

Charted under state law, a housing authority is a not-for-profit public corporation. Although an independent organization with a relationship to federal, state, and local governments, a housing authority is not a part of any governmental body. This organizational structure allows housing authorities to work in conjunction with local governments and agencies to develop long-term housing strategies for communities.

In 1937, the Wagner-Steagall Act established the U.S. Housing Authority (later named U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and charged communities with the development of affordable housing in order to "provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-and-moderate income families." Shortly after that, local community and business leaders established the Athens Housing Authority in 1938 to respond to a basic community need.

In 1941, families moved into Parkview Homes, the first public housing in Athens. Since that time, the Athens Housing Authority has overseen the design, construction, maintenance and, administration of ten additional neighborhoods.


Today

	Parkview Homes, located at Broad and Newton streets, was the first public housing built in Athens, circa 1942

Since its inception, the Athens Housing Authority developed a business strategy in order to ensure the development of a variety of affordable housing options. That business expertise has allowed us to create choices for individuals, families, and the local community in the following ways:

• Manages and administers 1,255 dwelling units for approximately 3,300 residents.
• Initiates tax-exempt revenue bonds for the renovation and construction of privately-owned affordable housing developments in the community and University of Georgia residence life halls.
• Developed ACT I Homes, a program designed for families ready to purchase their first house.

In addition, as a member of a statewide housing consortium, we are involved in business–related activities that help create funding for supportive services and the development of affordable housing in our community.