Macon-Bibb County allocates $2.4M in federal aid to combat housing insecurity

Macon-Bibb County Commissioners approved a total of $2.4 million in federal funds to address housing insecurity in the county.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With the cost of housing steadily on the rise, some families are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why the Macon-Bibb County government is working with local agencies to address housing insecurity.

On Tuesday, Macon-Bibb County commissioners approved a total of $2.4 million in federal funds to be distributed to community organizations to address housing insecurity.

According to the Executive Director of the United to End Homelessness initiative, Dr. Jake Hall, the United Way of Central Georgia works alongside the organizations to provide emergency services and advocate for affordable housing.

“Some of them provide prevention services that keep people stable in their present housing, and others step in when people fall out of their safety nets and need emergency shelter or emergency services,” Dr. Hall said.

One agency to receive funding was the Family Advancement Ministries of Macon.

The agency’s goal is to provide resources to people who are precariously housed—or at risk of losing their home—so they can attain stability.

According to the agency’s Executive Director, Gigi Rolfes, the threat of homelessness poses a risk not only to individuals, but also to the entire community.

“Evictions are bad for the family,” Rolfes said. “They’re bad for the neighborhood. They’re bad for the landlord and the community at large, so we’re going to try to do our best to prevent that.”

Rolfes says the grant of $112,500 is expected to help 45 families throughout the year.

But for families ready to take the next step towards owning a home, the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity is there to make sure housing is affordable.

With $285,338 allocated to the non-profit, Habitat will be able to build two single-family homes in the next year.

Macon Area Habitat’s Executive Director, Ivey Hall, says affordable housing is an investment in the future.

“Whether you’re looking at just one family or you’re looking at neighborhoods, you’re looking at schools, you’re looking at the health of our our community, it’s really a factor that touches entire lives,” Hall said.

The money was part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development‘s Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Solutions Grants and HOME Program.

You can find the entire Commission meeting agenda here.

Agencies that received funds are listed below:

Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council – $100,000 to provide hotel/motel stays for displaced individuals and families within Macon-Bibb County.

River Edge Behavioral Health – $800,000 for the construction of five tiny homes.

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity – $285,338 for the construction of two detached single-family residential homes.

Goldcoaster Venture – $98,737 for the construction of a single-family home.

First Choice Primary Care– $57,027 for the provision of case management services.

Meals on Wheels – $208,215 to provide home-delivered meals to low-income seniors and assist those that need immediate food assistance.

Family Advancement Ministries – $112,500 for the provision of homelessness prevention services.