Community Development

Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. This Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of a person's race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability. 

The City of Gastonia supports fair housing practices and promotes these practices by hosting educational events and providing resources for citizens and landlords. CLICK HERE to learn more about the City's efforts toward Fair Housing.

ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE

In September 2023, the City of Gastonia began a study of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI).   The study reviewed and identified barriers that limit or prevent fair housing choice based upon race, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), religion, disability, or whether they have children.

In February 2024, the City of Gastonia completed a draft document of its study which is available for public review and comment February 20, 2024 - March 20, 2024.  Once all comments are received, the document will be submitted for review and approval by Gastonia City Council on April 16, 2024.  The barriers identified as a result of the study will be used to develop the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan which the planning process to include community input will begin in August or September 2024.

CLICK HERE to view the Final version of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing.

 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES     

US Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

HOME - American Rescue Plan

HOME-ARP, or the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program, is a federal program that provides funding to help reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. The program is part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, which allocated $5 billion to HOME Participating Jurisdictions (PJs).

As the lead agency for the Gastonia-Gaston Home Consortium, the City of Gastonia  was awarded $2.8 million dollars as part of the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP).  The grant is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and  may be used to assist citizens with housing and housing-related services. In order to receive the funds,  an allocation plan must be developed and include feedback from citizens and the community. 

Who is eligible to receive grant assistance?

• Homeless Individuals and Families
• Individuals of families at-risk of losing housing
• Domestic Violence Victims 
• Military Veterans
• Persons with very low incomes who are most likely to have unstable housing conditions

How can grant funds be used?

• Build or repair Affordable Housing
• Provide Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Vouchers
• Provide Homeless Prevention and Housing Counseling Services  
• Create shelter space  or Non-Congregate Shelter (NCS) where each individual or household has living space that offers some level of privacy. (examples:  hotels or dormitories).

            Note: The Non-Congregate Shelter (NCS) type will not replace the current emergency shelter.

  What else can the grant be used for?

• Pay staff to manage the program
• Training and Development for non-profit organizations

To view the finalized HOME-ARP allocation plan that the Gastonia-Gaston Consortium will implement, click the below link:

 GASTONIA-GASTON CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN (March 24, 2023 - FINAL)

Homelessness Resources

The City of Gastonia recognizes the need in our community to provide assistance to those at risk of being homeless and those already facing homelessness. Within Gaston County there are many resources available to provide assistance those facing difficult times. CLICK HERE to see a list of organizations, agencies and resources to assist those facing homelessness.

The Gaston-Lincoln-Cleveland Continuum of Care (G-L-C CoC) is a collaborative network, not a standalone organization. It is authorized by federal legislation through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As such, the G-L-C CoC is served by a Lead Agency designated to carry out planning, evaluation, services coordination, administrative, data management, and funding application activities. HealthNet Gaston, a local nonprofit organization, has been designated by the G-L-C CoC membership as its Lead Agency. Ultimately, the purpose of the CoC is to assist communities in preventing, addressing, and ending homelessness. CLICK HERE to find out more about the efforts of the Continuum of Care.

Plans/Reports/Notices

• Enables customers with very low incomes to manage and afford electricity.
• Provides a monthly credit of $25 to $35 per month for twelve months for approved applicants.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the GEAR Program and terms for eligibility. 

Lead-Based Paint Remediation