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DeKalb approves $1.05M in HOME funds for Habitat for Humanity to rehab and resell homes
Summary
The PECS committee recommended $1,050,000 in HUD HOME funds to DeKalb Habitat for Humanity to acquire, rehabilitate and resell homes to low‑ and moderate‑income buyers, focused on the Southwest DeKalb Corridor; funds will be used for acquisition and rehabilitation, not new construction under this allocation.
The DeKalb Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee recommended allocation of $1,050,000 in federal HUD HOME funds to DeKalb Habitat for Humanity to acquire, rehabilitate and resell homes to eligible low‑ and moderate‑income families.
Alma Cooper, standing in for the Community Development director, told the committee the HOME funds would support acquisition and rehabilitation projects (not new construction under this allocation) and that Habitat has operated in DeKalb since 2008 and has a record of timely, compliant use of HUD funds. "The agenda is requesting to approve the allocation of $1,050,000 in federal HUD funds for Habitat for Humanity," Cooper said.
Habitat's executive presence at the meeting explained the funding will prioritize infill properties and blight remediation in the Southwest DeKalb Corridor and involve partnerships with the DeKalb County Land Bank for acquisition of appropriate parcels. The organization emphasized use of volunteers, corporate partners and homeowner sweat equity to stretch funding.
Commissioners asked whether funds could be used for new construction; Habitat and staff said community development places an overlay preferring rehabilitation because rehab is cost‑effective and helps stabilize neighborhoods. The application submitted to staff included proposed properties in Districts 3 and 5; staff said final site selection depends on property availability and the land bank's holdings.
The committee moved and approved the item by voice vote. Staff will proceed with grant execution and monitor project proposals and site feasibility as acquisitions move forward.
Next steps: community development and Habitat will proceed with property acquisition and rehabilitation planning; staff will report back on selected properties and commission districts served.
