CHSA was created in 1989 as an independent nonprofit by the City of Savannah, community advocates and business leaders to develop, finance and implement affordable housing partnerships with lenders, developers and property owners. CHSA funds affordable housing for modest and low income families in Chatham County.

In 2017, CHSA was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CDFI’s are mission-driven financial institutions certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund to expand economic opportunity in low-income and black and brown  communities.

CHSA funds projects that create or retain affordable housing throughout Chatham County. We provide technical assistance to property owners, secure investments for housing programs, and deploy funding for home repair and down payment assistance programs.

CHSA receives funding from government agencies, foundations, as well as private donations from both businesses and individuals to fulfill its affordable housing mission. To donate to CHSA, visit our donation page.

CHSA and CHSA Development are both overseen by independent boards of directors, composed of citizens of Savannah, local bank representatives, and neighborhood advocates. Executive Director Anita Smith-Dixon oversees both CHSA and CHSA Development.

CHSA Development, Inc. is a subsidiary of CHSA that manages the construction and development of affordable quality housing such as Savannah Gardens.

Community Housing Development Organizations develop affordable housing for the communities they serve and are certified by their local jurisdiction to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A portion of federal HUD funding under the HOME program may be set aside for CHDOs.

Community – Based Development Organizations are similar to CHDOs, and may be eligible to receive funding from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). See more information at the Urban Institute.