JHA receives $700k grant for housing complex

Any day is a good day to accept a check for $723,528.

That’s that the Jackson Housing Authority did earlier this month when the Tennessee Housing Development Agency made a stop in Jackson to donate their check to JHA.

Mark Reid is the director of JHA and said the grant will go toward a new housing development that’s set to start construction later this year.

“Our plan is to build by the church building here across from our offices and build a four-unit housing complex that will provide affordable rent for four families,” Reid said, adding that the full house will be designed to house about 16 people – four people per unit.

“With the housing market what it is right now in Jackson, any affordable housing opportunities like this is needed and will be helpful,” Reid said. “While four families being helped like this may not sound like much, that’s still four families getting helped and I know the four families – whomever they will be – will be appreciative of the opportunity.”

JHA was among many agencies across the state that applied for the grant funding, and THDA representatives essentially went on a tour of the state providing funds for different housing authorities in various municipalities. Jackson’s check was among the largest that was awarded.

Jackson City Council members Johnny Dodd and Richard Donnell were on hand for the donation along with Madison County Deputy Mayor Terica Smith.

“On behalf of the City of Jackson, we’re very appreciative of the help Jackson Housing Authority is getting from the state on funding this project,” Donnell said. “Four families will be given an opportunity to get a leg up and getting back on their feet, and hopefully they’ll take advantage of that opportunity and work their way there.”

Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news