Who We Are

Georgia Advancing Communities Together is a statewide membership organization which represents the state’s nonprofit housing and community development organizations.

Our Mission

We build, support, and inform a statewide network of thriving organizations, professionals, and individuals advancing equitable housing and community development.

Our Vision

All Georgia families have safe & decent housing in vibrant neighborhoods.

What Makes Us Successful

ØHB 969 Amends the Fair Housing Act to secure HUD Fair Housing Act Certification (Rep. Chuck Efstration)

ØHB 1167 Community Land Trust Homestead Eligibility (Rep. Park Cannon)

ØThe Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting landlords from refusing to rent or sell a home based on the applicant’s source of income, including denying the acceptance of government vouchers (Legislative Reference No. 20-O-1155)

ØIn response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Georgia ACT received funds to provide statewide rental assistance for 140 households and utility assistance for 25 households in conjunction with Clayton County Public Schools

ØGeorgia ACT embarked in nonpartisan, civic engagement initiatives including the “Our Homes, Our Votes” Campaign, Census engagement, & U.S. Senate Runoff voter engagement in 74 Georgia counties reaching over 10,000 individuals and signage outreach over 500,000

ØCo-launched the Everyone Deserves A Place to Call Home statewide housing policy platform: https://georgiaact.org/everyone-deserves-a-place-to-call-home/

ØDistributed 4,620 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits to communities

ØGeorgia ACT was named business of the month by Clayton County Commissioner Felicia Franklin-Warner.

ØSuccessfully advocated for the passage of the City of Atlanta’s $100 million Housing Opportunity Bond

Who We Work With

The Incredible

What We Do

Advocate

Advocate for a more favorable policy environment for the nonprofit housing industry

Represent

Represent the nonprofit housing and community development industry to state and federal government (both executive and legislative branches), stakeholders, and other organizations targeting a similar population

Resources

Seek greater resources to support the nonprofit industry

Network

Provide a forum where nonprofit organizations can network, exchange information through peer learning, and recognize member contributions

Communication Tools

Provide communications tools to inform members of upcoming activities and promote nonprofit housing and community development issues

Informational Resources

Act as an informational resource for the general public on the activities of the nonprofit housing and community development industry

Research

Commission research regarding the affordable housing and community development industry

Guiding Principles

The members of Georgia Advancing Communities Together (GA ACT) set forth the following principles to guide responsible housing and community development.

01 

There is a continuum of housing needs (homeownership, rental, transitional, and homeless) and that development of affordable housing and underserved neighborhoods should be an integral aspect of Georgia’s response to regional and environmental challenges.

02 

Equal access to housing and communities of choice, including physical access, remains an issue, we therefore support policies that remedy past and present discriminatory practices and promote visitability for housing newly constructed or rehabilitated.

03 

Cooperation and coordination of public, private and non-profit sectors are necessary to ensure the development and preservation of affordable housing and healthy communities as well as financial inclusion for all families.

04 

State and local governments have a responsibility to provide policies, practices and financing that address the housing and community development needs of all of their citizens.

05

The role of community-based organizations (CBOs) is critical to affordable housing and community development.

06

The development and redevelopment of mixed-income neighborhoods is essential to creating sustainable communities that benefit all residents.

07

The effective implementation of new and existing financing mechanisms will enable and expand community development and the production of affordable housing, closing the “affordability gap” for all Georgia families.

08

Appropriate housing and financial counseling for low- and moderate- income individuals and communities hold the key to achieving self-sufficiency.