FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 11, 2005

Isakson, Chambliss Announce $72 Million in HUD Funding for Georgia
Funds Will Help With Housing Needs of Low-Income Families

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) today announced that Georgia will receive $72,272,324 in grants to meet housing needs and expand economic opportunities for low-income families.

The grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are being distributed in the following programs: the American Dream Downpayment Initiative, Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, and the HOME and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS programs.

“I am pleased to announce these grants, which will help Georgia in aiding those who need it most,” said Isakson.

“I am pleased to announce these important awards for Georgia,” said Chambliss.  “These valuable grants provide enormous opportunities for the communities and citizens they help, and I am committed to continue my support of programs such as theses that aid so many Georgians.”

Here’s a breakdown of how the money will be distributed among the programs:

• American Dream Downpayment Initiative will receive a grant of $720,182 to promote homeownership by providing resources for downpayment and closing cost assistance to low-income and minority households.

• Community Development Block Grant program will receive a grant of $44,692,413 to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.

• Emergency Shelter Grant program will receive a grant of $2,085,940 to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters.

• HOME program will receive a grant of $23,246,789 to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families.

• The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program will receive a grant of $1,527,000 to provide housing assistance and support services that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families.

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