Marietta Housing Authority Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Attendees listen intently to anniversary remarks

May 9th marked a very special day in the history of the Marietta Housing Authority (www.mariettahousingauthority.org/) as over 60 people from throughout the area to include local leaders and the HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. participated in recognizing the housing authority's 75th anniversary.

The Marietta City Council formed the agency on May 9, 1938 and 75 years later is a leader in affordable housing in the State of Georgia. Mr. Ray Buday (www.mariettahousingauthority.org/index.php/contact-us/42-mha-executive-director-office/3-ray-buday) is the seventh executive director and took over the leadership of the housing authority almost eight years ago in June 2005.

On display in the Marietta Housing Authority were historical records, photo albums and documentation from the very first hand written notes of the housing authority's first meetings to photos of major affordable living developments that will be archived nearby at the Kennesaw State University Archival Department. These historical items will be available for research and public access.

"The Marietta Housing Authority is to be commended on this their 75th Anniversary for their commitment to preserve their history through the collaborative effort with Kennesaw State University and to most importantly providing affordable housing for those that need it as a platform of hope for a better life for themselves and their children and in recognition to those seniors that we value and owe so much to as well," said HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr.

Historical documents, photos and ledgers to be archived at Kennesaw State University on display during the anniversary celebration

The housing authority consists of eight public housing developments consisting of 284 units as well as four senior housing developments. Of particular note in January 2009 the MHA through HUD approval acquired the operation of Acworth Housing Authority which included managing Hull Homes. Hull Homes (www.mariettahousingauthority.org/index.php/public-housing/21-mha/pages/tenant-services/96-acworth-hull-homes) are ranch style 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units for low- and moderate-income families, elderly and disabled persons. The property has 50 public housing units. Although this development is primarily family, 20 - one bedroom units are set aside specifically for elderly & disabled residents. These units are handicap accessible equipped with emergency pull cords in the bedrooms and bathrooms.

The housing authority is an innovator as well as they are involved in the new HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration program. RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) conversion to PBRA (Project-Based Rental Assistance) strategy applies to their Fred G. Hull Homes which is a 50-unit project fits in well with the surrounding neighborhood in Acworth of single-family homes, and consists of five 4-plexes and 15 duplexes with tree and vegetation buffer areas. It is in an excellent location, being only about one half mile from the city center. Residents of Hull Homes have been strongly supported by the community and local churches. The development is considered a very positive feature of north Acworth.

In addition to these programs the housing authority also offers; Housing Choice Voucher Program, HCV Homeownership, FSS Program and the Mentoring - The primary goal of the Marietta Housing Authority's Mentoring Program is to empower MHA Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher clients to make positive life choices. Secondary Goals for school aged students: To foster a sense of belonging and community service; To foster academic growth; To improve goal setting and decision making skills; To expose an array of cultural activities.

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