Initiative has helped 230 Savannah-area families repair, purchase or build homes since 2023
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Sept. 17, 2026 — The Georgia Ports Authority has committed more than $2 million through its Workforce Housing Initiative, helping 230 Savannah-area families repair, purchase or build homes since the program launched in September 2023.
“Affordable housing is essential to building and retaining the workforce that keeps Georgia’s economy moving,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch. “GPA is excited about its commitment to improving housing options for our neighbors and workforce. We encourage other employers to join us to help address our community’s affordable workforce housing needs.”
Program Supports Home Repairs and Purchases
Through August 2026, the Georgia Ports workforce housing program had committed more than $2 million to 139 owner-occupied home repair projects and 44 home purchases.
Purchase assistance is provided through the City of Savannah Housing Services Department’s DreamMaker affordable loan program, which helps eligible homebuyers cover down payments, closing costs and financing gaps.
The initiative has also supported 23 new-home construction projects in the Savannah area.
“GPA’s investment provides critical capital that allows us to preserve existing homes, help families achieve homeownership and leverage additional resources for affordable housing,” said Anita Smith-Dixon, executive director of the Community Housing Services Agency. “That partnership expands our ability to make a lasting difference for families and neighborhoods.”
Georgia Ports Commits $6 Million to Workforce Housing
Georgia Ports has pledged $6 million over eight years to affordable and workforce housing initiatives. Individual projects are funded in partnership with the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund and the Community Housing Services Agency.
“By helping families stay in their homes and helping port employees become homeowners, we’re investing in the people who make our communities stronger,” Lynch added.
The initiative focuses on improving housing conditions and expanding homeownership opportunities in neighborhoods surrounding the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal and Ocean Terminal. A central goal is helping longtime residents repair their homes and remain in their communities.
The program also provides eligible port employees and other qualified buyers with down-payment assistance for first-time home purchases in the Savannah area. By expanding access to affordable housing, the initiative supports workforce recruitment and retention in one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing logistics markets.
About Georgia Ports
Georgia’s ports in Savannah and Brunswick serve as strategic trade gateways supported by extensive transportation connections and a growing supply-chain ecosystem.
The Port of Savannah offers approximately 40 ship calls and 42 double-stack train movements each week, along with roughly 15,000 daily truck-gate moves. The Port of Brunswick ranks as the nation’s leading roll-on/roll-off port by annual automobile volumes and continues to expand its capacity for machinery and other high-and-heavy cargo.
Georgia Ports has developed a nearly $5 billion self-financed investment plan for the next decade. Planned improvements include five additional big-ship container berths in Savannah and a fourth roll-on/roll-off berth in Brunswick. Over the past 10 years, the Georgia Ports Authority Board has approved approximately $4.13 billion in infrastructure improvements.
As part of its community engagement efforts, Georgia Ports is contributing $6 million to a multiyear workforce housing initiative serving port communities.
For additional information, visit gaports.com or contact Edward Fulford, manager of media relations, at efulford@gaports.com or 912-964-3806.
