Cobb Reporter

The City of Marietta and Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta (HNWMA) are partnering in a first-time, unprecedented partnership to provide six zero-interest affordable homes for City of Marietta and Marietta City School employees. 

Called the “Marietta Public Service Housing Program”, the City of Marietta is donating six lots, and HNWMA will provide volunteers to build six one and two-story homes. The construction of the homes is being funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March 2021.

The City of Marietta received $11,180,581 in total ARPA funding. Of the total, the City committed $500,000 for the Public Service Housing Program, in addition to the six lots. Three homes will be constructed in 2023 and will have a maximum sales price of $250,000 each.

 The donated lots are located at:

•    609 Fraiser Street (.175 acres)

•    617 Fraiser Street (.177 acres)

•    136 Hedges Street (.26 acres)

•    144 Hedges Street (.26 acres)

•    37 Griggs Street (acreage TBD)

•    106 Griggs Street (acreage TBD)

“We greatly commend the City of Marietta for recognizing the unrealistic challenges for the average teacher and first responder to buy a family home in today’s real estate market,” says Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat for Humanity, NW Metro Atlanta. “City leaders are demonstrating true leadership in providing affordable housing, and we are thrilled to partner with them to serve public servants in our community.”

In December, HNWMA dedicated a Habitat home to a Cobb County School Bus Driver who worked multiple jobs to earn a home for her three children. Her story and work ethic were an inspiration to all involved in building her home.

"I am very proud of the way our City Council and staff have utilized funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to benefit our community and our residents who make our city such a wonderful place to live," said Mayor Steve Tumlin. "While the financial stress the pandemic created for governments and our citizens will take many months to recover, I believe our City has been good stewards of the ARPA funds by looking for innovative ways to help our community. The Marietta Public Service Housing Program is just one of the many ways we have sought to better our community through the use of these federal funds."

The application process will be announced soon to all employees via the City of Marietta and the Marietta City School system Human Resource Departments. Applicants are required to have worked one year as a City employee.

Original source can be found here.