By Fertile Ground Incorporated in Collaboration with True Alchemy Gardens, Inc.

Workforce Housing Initiative Program Proposal

Objective: To address the critical need for affordable housing in rural communities, Fertile Ground Incorporated, in partnership with True Alchemy Gardens, proposes the development of a Rural Workforce Housing Initiative program. This initiative aligns with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grant eligibility requirements

Program Components

Site Selection and Development:

Identify suitable locations for housing development, considering proximity to employment opportunities, community resources, and True Alchemy Gardens initiatives.
Develop safe, sustainable, and energy-efficient housing units using innovative design and construction techniques.

Community Engagement and Education:

Conduct outreach programs to engage with local communities, understanding their specific needs and concerns.

Provide educational workshops on homeownership, financial literacy, and sustainable living practices.

Incentivize skills, trade, and apprenticeships to subsidize home ownership and/or encourage ownership.

Integration with True Alchemy Gardens Initiatives:

Collaborate with True Alchemy Gardens to incorporate green spaces, workforce initiatives that contribute to the mission and goals of both organizations, and develop reward programs and tiers as agricultural and housing initiatives within the housing developments that subsidize the mortgage, allows for use of vouchers, provides discounts, and/or promote a sustainable and holistic living environment.

Affordable Housing Units:

Construct a mix of single-family and multi-family housing units to accommodate the diverse needs and demographics of the workforce.
Ensure affordability through the incorporation of subsidy programs, low-interest loans, and adherence to DCA guidelines.

Employment Partnerships

Forge partnerships with colleges, local businesses, including True Alchemy Gardens projects, to program opportunities that cultivate transferrable skills and create employment opportunities for community residents.

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Work with other partners, employers, and volunteers to understand the workforce housing needs and tailor housing solutions accordingly.

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Grant Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure strict adherence to the eligibility requirements outlined by partnering programs i.e. the Georgia DCA Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grant).
Implement robust reporting mechanisms to track the progress of the initiative, including housing occupancy, economic impact, and community engagement metrics.

Budget and Funding:

Outline a comprehensive budget detailing the estimated costs for land acquisition, construction, infrastructure development, and community engagement programs.

Seek funding through a combination of donations, grants such as the CDBG and DCA Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grants, private investments, and partnerships with philanthropic organizations.

Timeline:

Provide a detailed timeline for each initiation, construction, and completion of the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative program, ensuring alignment with DCBG, DCA, and other grant cycles.

Impact Assessment:

Develop metrics and evaluation criteria and tools to measure the success of the program, including the number of affordable housing units created, employment generated, and community development indicators.

Educational Partnerships

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Work with other partners, employers, and volunteers to understand the workforce housing needs and tailor housing solutions accordingly.

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