History of NWGHA's Operations

The Northwest Georgia Housing Authority (NWGHA) serves the cities of Rome, Rockmart, and Cave Spring located in northwest Georgia, providing affordable housing options for low-income families, elderly, and disabled residents. Here's a brief history and overview of the authority's role:

Origins and Establishment

At its inception, the Rome Housing Authority was established in 1938 to address the growing need for affordable housing in the region, particularly after World War II when many cities in the U.S. saw rapid population growth, industrial development, and subsequent increases in demand for low-income housing. NWGHA was created as part of a larger movement in the mid-20th century to provide better living conditions for those who could not afford market-rate housing.

In 2004, Rome Housing Authority was approached by the City of Rockmart to manage the Housing Authority of the City of Rockmart, which resulted in a consolidation of the two housing authorities, creating what is known today as the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority.

Later, in 2020, NWGHA was approached by the Cave Spring Housing Authority to manage its troubled portfolio. At the beginning of 2023, HUD approved the voluntary transfer of the Cave Spring units to NWGHA, thereby increasing the NWGHA portfolio and expanding NWGHA's ability to impact further in the community. 

Mission and Services

NWGHA's mission is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities while promoting self-sufficiency and opportunities for economic advancement. In addition to traditional housing programs like public housing and Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher), the authority offers a variety of supportive services aimed at improving residents' quality of life.

NWGHA is involved in:

• Managing Public Housing: The authority owns and operates several public housing units throughout the region, offering subsidized housing to those in need.
• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: This program provides vouchers to eligible low-income families, allowing them to rent housing in the private market with a portion of their rent paid by the Housing Authority.
• Developing and Managing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Properties: NWGHA is one of few public housing authorities in the state of Georgia that is qualified to develop, manage, and serve as a sole developer and general partner in its participation of the LIHTC program.
• Community Programs: The NWGHA strategically partners with local organizations to offer educational programs, job training, and social services to help residents become self-sufficient.

Housing Developments in Rome

Rome, Georgia, has a significant presence in the NWGHA's service area. The authority oversees various public housing developments, which are strategically placed to meet the needs of residents across the region. These developments vary in size and structure, from smaller apartment complexes to larger communities, some with additional amenities like community centers, playgrounds, and swimming pools.

Changing Housing Landscape

Over the years, the housing authority has adapted to the shifting landscape of affordable housing, particularly through initiatives such as:

• Renovation Projects: Older housing developments have been renovated to meet modern building codes and improve living conditions.
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits: New construction activities have shifted from public housing to affordable housing communities that incorporate both affordable and market-rate housing, in response to federal policies and local growth patterns.
• Partnerships with Private Developers: In some instances, NWGHA has worked with private developers to expand the availability of affordable housing in the region.
• Superior Quality Materials: NWGHA has exceeded industry standards by offering apartments with ceramic tile flooring, granite countertops, spacious bedrooms, ample storage space and more.

Impact in the Community

The NWGHA has played a key role in addressing the housing challenges of northwest Georgia, particularly in providing stable housing options to the elderly, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities. By doing so, it has helped stabilize communities, reduce homelessness, and improve the overall quality of life in the region.

While there are periodic challenges related to funding, maintenance, and the balance between federal and local control over housing policies, the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority continues to serve an essential function in the region. It also helps advocate for affordable housing solutions on a broader scale, working with state and federal agencies to secure necessary funding and resources.

Conclusion

The history of the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority is closely linked to the broader efforts to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income populations in the region. Through ongoing partnerships, renovations, and new housing initiatives, the NWGHA has remained a key player in ensuring that residents in the area can find stable and affordable housing.