CHSA, Inc. | FAQ

FAQ

Q.

What is Community Services Housing Agency, Inc. (CHSA)?

A.

CHSA is an independent non-profit that provides funding for affordable housing projects in the City of Savannah. In 2017, CHSA also became a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Q.

What is a CDFI?

A.

CDFI’s are mission-driven financial institutions that have been certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund to expand economic opportunity in low-income communities. CHSA is one of three CDFIs in Savannah.

Q.

What types of services does CHSA provide?

A.

CHSA funds projects that create affordable housing. We work with government, for-profit, and non-profit partners to create sustainable real estate solutions and manage the scope of work involved in neighborhood revitalization or stabilization projects.

Q.

What is CHSA Development, Inc.?

A.

CHSA Development, Inc. is a subsidiary of CHSA and a Certified Housing Development Organization (CHDO). CHSA Development manages the construction and development of affordable quality housing such as Savannah Gardens.

Q.

What is a CHDO?

A.

Certified Housing Development Organizations develop affordable housing for the communities they serve and are certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A portion of federal HUD funding under the HOME program is set aside for CHDOs.

Q.

Who funds CHSA’s investments in affordable housing?

A.

CHSA receives both public grants and private donations to fulfill its purpose of funding affordable housing. Public grant sources include federal, state, and local programs. CHSA’s private donations are received from banking institutions, local employers, foundations, and generous individual donors in Savannah. CHSA has paired $88M in private investment with $18M in government funding to support over 1,750 affordable housing units since 1989.

Q.

Who runs CHSA and CHSA Development?

A.

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.