Our approach to assisted housing means we offer a variety of programs and services to aid our customers while maintaining reasonably priced rents. Families have access to computer labs, after school tutoring, and community activities. Adults may participate in money management, job skills assessment, or leadership development classes. 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.


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, which later became U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) 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, Parkview Homes, the first public housing in Athens, was open to families. 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 has worked cooperatively with Athens-Clarke County to create a variety of affordable housing options.

The Athens Housing Authority manages and administers 1,255 dwelling units for approximately 3,300 residents.

Through our ability to initiate tax-exempt revenue bonds, we have aided the renovations and construction of privately-owned affordable housing developments in the community. Our ACT I Homes program was designed for families ready to purchase their first house.
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.