According to National Low Income Housing Coalition research, Georgia has a severe shortage of affordable rental homes for households that are cost-burdened. There is a shortage of more than 200,000 rental apartment homes available for more than 340,000 renter households.

This is why Mercy Housing Southeast (MHSE) was thrilled to be awarded a $5M grant from the Georgia Invests in Housing Grant for our three-part program, “Improving Workforce Housing Across Georgia.” The program focuses on rehabbing two existing communities, Orchard Grove, and Heritage Apartments, and building a brand-new affordable housing community, Clairmont Family.

Preserving Housing History

Located in Madison, GA., Orchard Grove is a multi-family, affordable housing community with 60 two-and-three-bedroom apartment homes. The refurbishment will include new roofing for all seven buildings, new railings, and stairs on breezeways. All doors and common areas will also be freshly painted. Interior improvements will include new flooring and carpeting, upgraded appliances and fixtures in kitchens and baths, and refurbished and/or new cabinetry. This project is scheduled to begin this summer.

The Heritage Apartments community is in the historic Cuyler-Brownville district of Savannah, GA, one of the city’s oldest African American neighborhoods. Originally the site of the historic Florance Street School and Charity Hospital (the first Black teaching hospital in Georgia), Heritage Apartments are home to families and seniors, many of whom have lived in Cuyler-Brownsville for generations. This grant will support renovations of 52 apartment homes and will also be used to do justice to these important structures for residents, the neighborhood, and the city of Savannah.

Brand New Affordable Housing Community Coming to Chamblee

Clairmont Family in Chamblee will be built in this fast-growing area with a critical need for quality, workforce housing, and represents the first phase of a multi-generational community.  This is a rare opportunity to create affordable housing in an area with great surrounding amenities and services. Amenities will include a community room, outdoor walking path, playground, and a covered picnic pavilion.

The project is in one of the state’s best school districts, giving kids a strong foundation for success. Given substantial land and construction costs, the grant will provide the final resources necessary to ensure a successful project.