ATLANTA — U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock announced new resources to upgrade housing in Atlanta on Tuesday.
According to a release by Sen. Ossoff's office, the lawmakers are delivering $1,753,802.27 to the City of Atlanta to be used to complete home repairs and remediation projects. The money is coming from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Healthy Homes Production Grant program, which helps identify and repair health and safety hazards in homes.
Sen. Ossoff said the lawmakers are delivering this resource to help improve the quality of housing for families in the area.
"Working families in Georgia urgently need access to quality, affordable housing," Ossoff said.
Sen. Warnock said that children can't thrive unless they're living in safe environments, so he's working to ensure schools and homes are hazard-free.
"When we fight for the health of children across the Peach State, we fight for the next generation of leaders," he said.
The senators previously delivered federal funding this past December through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Housing Preservation Grants program to be used to complete home repairs and rehabilitation. Sen. Ossoff also announced $2.8 million in federal funding to the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing last May, according to a release.
In general, housing has been a key focus in the City of Atlanta this year. According to previous reporting by 11Alive, Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman said he plans to double down on affordable housing initiatives in 2024. He previously stated that the new year brings new opportunities to break ground on housing, convert existing homes into affordable ones and allow longtime residents to stay in the city. Shipman also said the council will look into capitalizing on relationships with developers to create more affordable housing options and make the permitting and inspection processes smother and quicker.
In terms of the federal money announced by the U.S. Senators, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said he's grateful the money was secured for the families he serves.
"Safe, high-quality housing serves the foundation for essentially every aspect of life, influencing education, career trajectories and overall physical and mental health. Thank you to Senators Warnock and Ossoff for securing these much-needed funds for Atlanta families," Dickens said.