Forward Rabun withdraws from GICH Program

Forward Rabun’s Executive Committee has unanimously voted to withdraw from the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program as of March 1st.   The committee cited concern over a lack of collaboration, as well as concern that the overall goals of GICH may not be in keeping with those outlined in Forward Rabun’s new strategic plan for economic development based on extensive community input collected during recent town hall meetings, surveys, and interviews.  Committee members expressed thanks to the local GICH team for its work over the last two years, commenting that the initiative has certainly served a good and vital purpose, and has equally facilitated a conversation around community housing.  Committee members also thanked both The University of Georgia (UGA) and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for their interest in Rabun County and for their help in getting the conversation started.  Forward Rabun board chairman Claude Dillard echoed his thanks to the local GICH committee for their efforts and hard work.   Dillard noted that “the previous two years of work will certainly not go unnoticed, and the data collected over that period of time will remain useful to Forward Rabun as it moves to implement its strategic plan and as it continues seeking solutions.”  Forward Rabun Executive Director Rick Story concurred, stating that he has “deeply appreciated working with each one of the community partners represented on the local GICH team.  We are very blessed to have a community whose interests run deep in helping others and solving local problems in the best way possible.”  Story went on to comment that his highest hope is that the remaining GICH partners will continue moving forward toward their objectives. “The more help and advice we can get on housing, the better.  Story went on to note that in addition to the GICH program, Forward Rabun is also participating in a second housing study, and he feels that community data acquired from GICH will complement this initiative very well.  “Rabun County is fortunate to have been selected for a comprehensive housing study by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) with a panel of community development and housing experts from around the country. We believe the best way to address our housing situation and encourage the kind of economic development our residents have said they want is for Forward Rabun to concentrate on implementing the ULI recommendations,” he added.  Forward Rabun will be releasing both its new strategic plan, as well as the recent study conducted by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in the coming months.