Supporting affordable housing: the Lawrenceville Housing Authority, Rep Bourdeax, and the community
Many are aware of increasing housing costs.
In Lawrenceville (GA), the average monthly rent has increased from approximately $800 per month (in 2000) to slightly more than $1500 per month as of 2021. This is reflective of the accelerated increase in housing costs for rental and home properties. For anyone, including those whose earnings can't keep up with the rising costs, these instances can create barriers for access to quality places to live.
However, per the press conference held on March 21, 2022 in Lawrenceville, GA, there is help on the horizon (refer to the video below for the full press conference).
Hosted by Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-7), the Lawrenceville Housing Authority (LHA) announces its upcoming and ongoing endeavors to provide enhanced affordable housing for residents in the city and interlocking areas. Executive Director Lejla Prljaca shares encouraging and empowering news along with support from a growing body of community/public/private sector partnerships (refer to the video below as our question is fielded).
Thanks to the FY22 Omnibus Spending Bill to invest in Georgia families, $150,000 is earmarked for the LHA's current undertaking of having nearly 300 rental units under construction (which is replacing older/out-of-date units) for accessible and affordable living. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners provide an additional $400,000 in funding which helps exceed their goal of securing $1 million for this and related affordable housing. Ranging from rehabilitation to improvement in the Thompson Square and related communities, the investment in the Lawrenceville allows for preserving and increasing access to affordable housing, the improvement of function, safety, accessibility, and sustainability of such residences, along with the larger progress aligned with the rest of the city's growth.
Mat Elder (the Director of Home First Gwinnett), David Still (Mayor of Lawrenceville, GA), along with Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Jasper Watkins III (District 3 Commissioner), and Marlene Fosque (District 4 Commissioner) are among the community partners present for yesterday's conference.
Since its establishment on May 8, 1950, the LHA is focused on creating and maintaining quality, affordable housing for low-income families. Ranging from the elderly to families, collaborative efforts along these lines have the potential to address the need for affordable, accessible, and contemporary living.
Thanks to collaborative efforts including those of Representative Bourdeaux, along with those in the public (and private) sector, more can be potentially done to address these are related housing needs.
Notes: All video and photography recorded by Andrew Snorton.
Video: The first video is the complete press conference; the second is a segment of the q/a where our question is fielded.
Photos (slide show): The sequence is as follows:
The check presentation from Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux's office as $150,000 is earmarked for the Lawrenceville Housing Authority via the FY22 Omnibus Spending Bill investing in Georgia Families (a total of $5 million from this bill is utilized to support these and related efforts in Gwinnett and Forsyth Counties).
Representative Bourdeaux preparing for the press conference.
Special guests and dignitaries get ready to hear the remarks of LHA's Executive Director, Lejla Prljaca.
An image of the recap of the FY22 Omnibus Spending Bill.
Renditions of the upcoming affordable housing programs underway, along with the funds secured via Rep Bourdeaux's office.
The LHA earmark is among the numerous community programs supported via the bill.
District 4 (Gwinnett County Commission) Marlene Fosque is among those providing remarks for the work taking place.
Lawrenceville (GA) Mayor David Still shares his thoughts on these and related initiatives coming together.
A closeup of the presenters for the press conference.
Another closeup of the presenters for the press conference.
