Bibb County breaks ground on supportive, workforce housing in Payne City

On a sunny morning in the Payne City neighborhood, Bibb County officials, nonprofit partners and a local developer turned the first ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt to begin construction and renovation of permanently supportive and workforce housing.

Natalie Voyette, executive director of the Affordable Housing Fund, said the Fund is advancing two projects in the area — one already under way and a second scheduled to break ground later — that will serve households at roughly 80%–120% of area median income (AMI). “These homes are going to act kind of as that transition point for them,” Voyette said, describing the units as a step toward stable housing after crises such as job loss or health problems.

The projects pair housing with services and subsidies. A representative from Brookdale Resource Center told attendees that keeping clients close to familiar neighborhoods, schools and support networks helps families and individuals transition from homelessness into permanent housing. “When a client is forced to relocate to an unfamiliar area, it can disrupt the progress they have made,” the Brookdale representative said.

Kesha Stafford of Stafford Builders said the work will combine rehabilitation and new construction to preserve the neighborhood’s character while delivering durable exteriors and contemporary interiors. “Here we grow again,” Stafford said, adding that the builder aims to provide homes “we would live in ourselves.”

Mayor Lester Miller framed the project as the result of collaboration among local government, nonprofit partners, minority contractors and volunteers. He said the county has set aside local funds and used matching money to leverage additional state resources; he also credited the land bank authority for assembling properties and the housing authority for providing voucher support. “We’re here because there are real people with real problems and we’re providing real solutions,” Miller said.

Voyette and speakers noted the role of the county land bank in acquiring properties and the housing authority in offering vouchers to help pay for units. Organizers said the developments are intended both to eliminate blight and to offer long-term, supportive housing coupled with services such as case management from Brookdale.

Speakers did not announce a total dollar value for the projects at the ceremony; funding was described as a mix of local budget set‑asides, matching funds and state dollars. Mayor Miller said the county has been recognized by state officials for its housing investments and mentioned “Harper funds” and other matching sources, but specific grant names or amounts were not provided at the event.

The ceremony concluded with county commissioners, partners and board members posing for photographs and turning over the first shovelfuls of dirt. Voyette said one project is already active and the second will begin later; organizers did not provide a construction timeline at the event.