Seven Hall County homeowners are in the final stages of approval to receive grant funding from the state of Georgia for repairs and upgrades to their residences, bringing their homes into compliance with county building codes.
According to a press release from Hall County, the process to identify areas of Hall County in need of grant funding for community and housing revitalization began in September 2015. At that time, various Hall County and city of Gainesville officials met with community members to talk about affordable housing development. As a result of that meeting, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs' (DCA's) Community HOME Investment Program, or CHIP, was identified as a funding source to assist governments, non-profits and public housing authorities in addressing those needs.
The Hall County homes that are in the process to receive CHIP funding are located off Athens Highway in Gainesville, in Flowery Branch and in the East Hall area.
Hall County Commissioner Jeff Stowe said the applicants are people who want to correct code violations in their homes, but who may not have the finances to get the job done.
"Rather than solely issuing citations, the county is providing information about grant funding which can reduce those citations, calls and neighborhood blight," Stowe said.
The press statement noted that Carrie Ivey is one of the homeowners to potentially receive grant funds. She said her 1972 home has been in need of repair for years but she was not financially able to make the upgrades. When her husband passed away in February, the need only grew.
"I had been praying about it, asking the Lord to send someone to help," Ivey said. "This truly is like a Godsend to me."
In order to receive CHIP funds, Ivey and the other homeowners had to apply and qualify through DCA, a process that began approximately nine months ago. Repairs to the homes include HVAC upgrades, new roofing, foundation repairs and window replacement. Work is expected to begin in early 2017.
Stowe said the county is now applying for additional grant funding so that more Hall County residents might benefit.
Homeowners interested in applying for future CHIP funds may contact Joy Walker with the Hall County Financial Services Department at 770-535-8274.
