The Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) is a housing initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), CHIP aims to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing across Georgia. The program provides grants to local governments, nonprofits, and public housing authorities for housing rehabilitation and the construction or renovation of affordable single-family homes for sale to income-eligible homebuyers.

Eligible applicants include local governments, 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits, public housing authorities, and current CHIP grantees with less than 50% unspent CHIP funds. Applications are typically released in September and due by January. Priority is given to communities with well-developed housing redevelopment plans. Proposals for housing rehabilitation require studies illustrating current housing conditions, while those for new construction must include market analyses justifying the need for affordable housing and the capacity to sell homes to eligible buyers.

The program funds two main activities:

Housing Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Homes, with grants of up to $400,000.
New Construction or Rehabilitation of Homes for Sale to Eligible Homebuyers, with grants of up to $600,000.
Applicants are encouraged to provide comprehensive plans detailing the intended use of funds and evidence of need to ensure alignment with program goals. For further information or assistance, potential applicants can contact CHIP at CHIP@dca.ga.gov or call (404) 679-4840. Additional resources and guidelines are available on the Georgia DCA website.