BALDWIN COUNTY, Ga. — This May, Baldwin County was awarded $500,000 for a new housing grant called the Community Home Investment Program, or CHIP, grant.
This grant is awarded to people in low income households, in the qualified census tracts in Baldwin and senior citizens that have a disability. The 2022 CHIP Grant is in the process of developing one of the last houses in Baldwin County.
This house belongs to ShaRun Hurt. He said he's happy to have work done on his home.
"Right now I'm in a happy place," Hurt said. "Can you imagine someone coming in and refurbishing your home? That's needed it - it's a new lease on life."
Hurt's house is being remodeled with new electricity, a new deck, a new bathroom and an air conditioning unit. He said he feels very blessed to be able to have a refurbished home.
Like Hurt, one of the other recipients is Zim West. West said he has a new house that feels like a home.
He built his house in the seventies and he said it needed work. Some of the things he needed was a water filter, paint, and new wiring. He said he's happy his house is finished.
"It's so relaxing and it feels homey," he said. "Normally, I just sit on the porch and relax, and have a good time."
All six homeowners said they are thrilled to have new houses. For his part, County Manager Carlos Tobar said he's just happy to see these people with a new home. He says his favorite part of the job is helping his neighbors.
"This is by the far the most rewarding part of the job," Tobar said. "That our county can be a conduit to be able to help people in need to revitalize the homes, revitalize the neighborhoods."