The Community Programs Division administers three grant programs to promote the production, preservation and rehabilitation of housing for low and very low income households. The programs are the federally-funded HOME program, the state-funded HOUSE program and the THDA Grant program. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, and non-profit agencies which, if funded, carry out multi-year affordable housing programs. In January of each year an application workshop is held to assist prospective grantees in the preparation of their applications. Applications are generally due in March, awards are announced in May, contingent upon Board approval and contracts begin on July 1st.

In 2000, THDA received an allocation of $14,484,000 from the federal government and awarded grants to 45 successful applicants to serve approximately 600 families. There was no HOUSE program in 2000 because the State Legislature redirected the dedicated tax revenue to the State general fund, but Community Program staff continues to administer on-going HOUSE projects. Additionally, THDA provided $6.5 for a one-time grant program in 2000. The THDA Grant program consisted of three components: $2.5 million for the Great Place program for single-family development projects, including $660,000 for the House the General Assembly Built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity; $1.5 million for the Local Match program for qualified cities and counties and CDBG entitlement communities; $1.5 million to the HOME program to serve as the source of the required match; and $1 million for housing for the mentally ill in partnership with the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.