Local Information for Georgia

Established in 1732, the state of Georgia is known as the Peach State and the Empire State of the South. Its bordering states are Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The state got its names from England’s King George II.

Georgia is a state that’s ideal for raising a family and building a home. It has around 63 state parks, some of which are considered historic sites. Education is also a priority as it is the home of the country’s oldest public university, the University of Georgia. High school graduates or state residents who have a General Educational Development certificate can qualify for the state lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship.

Georgia’s capital, Atlanta, is a sprawling metropolis known for housing some of the country and the world’s largest multinational corporations like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and UPS. The city is a busy cultural and economic centre. The city of Columbus, on the other hand, was once recognized by Best Life Magazine as one of the Top 100 Places to Raise A Family. Another city, Savannah, is known as the state’s oldest city having been established in 1733.

Famous personalities who are or were Georgia residents include former President James “Jimmy” Carter, singer Amy Grant, Baseball’s Ty Cobb, and author Alice Walker.

Georgia Housing Authority

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs or DCA is the main authority in safe and affordable housing in the state. It was created in 1977 and in 1996, was merged with the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA). Among other things, this Georgia housing authority generates affordable housing solutions and provides assistance to low and moderate income residents who are looking to buy homes, prevent foreclosure, and find affordable rent.

In addition, the DCA has a number of programs for the homeless and for those with special needs. It also has different housing development programs for qualified residents.

The city of Atlanta has the Atlanta Housing Authority taking care of all the affordable housing needs of its low income residents. It is the state’s largest housing agency. In the city of Columbus, these needs are managed by The Housing Authority of Columbus. It administers two major housing programs: Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Savannah, Georgia, on the other hand, has The Housing Authority of Savannah, which handles the city’s safe and sanitary housing needs.

Rental Assistance Georgia

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs offers the Section 8 or Housing Voucher Program to residents looking for affordable housing rentals in the private sector. This is a tenant-based assistance program that offers safe, decent, and sanitary housing to low income families and individuals. It follows the mandates of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD.

Under the program, low income residents can avail of good housing units in the private rental market provided that they meet a given criteria. This is normally based on their income and the number of members in the family. Once an eligible home is found, the resident pays one portion of the rent, the amount of which is dependent upon his income. The balance is shouldered by the program.

The Housing Voucher Choice Program is just one of your many options for building a home in Georgia. There are many more rental assistance options online. Find your home now and build a life in Georgia with your family.