CIVIS, a non-profit organization, is committing another $7,000,000 to support affordable and workforce housing as part of its West Broad Blueprint Initiative. This includes committing another $500,000 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) through Housing United over the next five years, a $1,500,000 Social Impact Loan to help provide permanent financing for the 16 new affordable apartments developed at 916 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard for families and people experiencing, exiting and/or at risk of homelessness, and funds it made available to purchase 1-1/2 blocks of blighted vacant property largely bounded by Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Montgomery Street, West 35th Street and the City of Savannah Police Department Central Precinct. CIVIS intends to work collaboratively with the City of Savannah, Land Bank Authority, and Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. to develop this property with affordable and workforce housing and neighborhood retail.

In addition to this new commitment, CIVIS has already invested $1,050,000 in the SAHF and has invested in the construction and sale of 15 houses, the renovation of the Kiah House and adjoining commercial property, and the renovation of the W.W. Law House in the Cuyler-Brownville Neighborhood.

CIVIS’ existing and new investment commitments approach $14,000,000 since 2022 and adoption of the Housing Savannah Action Plan.

CIVIS’ emerging West Broad Blueprint Initiative calls to expand its focus beyond Cuyler-Brownville to include and encourage housing, retail, education, and cultural arts investments along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Montgomery Street including neighborhoods between Bay Street and West 52nd Street.

Approval

No attachments available