Communities across Georgia are encouraged to apply for the 2026 cycle of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), a collaborative program designed to help local governments create and implement effective housing strategies.



The program provides communities with valuable resources, technical assistance, and guidance to address local housing needs while supporting long-term community development goals.

Before submitting a full application, interested communities must first complete a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the official GICH LOI Submission Portal. Final applications must also be submitted electronically through the GICH Application Submission Portal.

Additional application details, portal links, and program information can be found on the GICH “How to Apply” webpage.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the upcoming virtual informational webinars, which will provide an overview of the program and walk participants through the application process. No registration is required to attend.

2026 GICH Schedule of Events & Due Dates

Application Release

• Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Live Informational Webinars

• Friday, May 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (ET)
• Friday, June 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (ET)

Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline

• Friday, July 10, 2026 by 5:00 PM (ET)

Live Application Q&A Webinar

• Friday, July 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (ET)

Final Application Deadline

• Thursday, July 31, 2026 by 5:00 PM (ET)

For questions regarding the GICH program or application process, please contact:

Jermaine Durham
GICH Program Director
Email: Jermaine.Durham@uga.edu
Phone: (706) 542-4949