Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA) is celebrating our 35th Anniversary and the completion of the Savannah Gardens planned urban development on April 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Edgelawn Circle Park in the center of Savannah Gardens. 

The CHSA 35th Anniversary and Savannah Gardens Pinnacle Celebration will honor the people and organizations who helped us bring housing opportunities to over 5,000 people in Chatham County over the past 35 years. We will also recognize the completion of all six phases of Savannah Gardens, an affordable neighborhood. A new CHSA logo will be unveiled at this event, as well as a commemorative program charting the history of CHSA. 

Speakers will include Mayor Van Johnson, City Manager Jay Melder, and former CHSA Development President Israel Small, to name a few. The Master of Ceremonies will be Camille Syed. Two videos will premiere at this event, one on the history of CHSA and the other telling the inspirational story of Savannah Gardens. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Tickets are $75. (Purchase online atwww.chsainc.org/celebration) 

“We invite everyone who believes in housing equity for households with modest incomes to come and celebrate with us," said Executive Director Anita Smith-Dixon.

“The work CHSA has done over the last 35 years has been simply amazing,” Mayor Van R. Johnson, II said. “City Council has continually made housing a priority and the success of Savannah Gardens is proof of Council’s vision and dedication to ensuring that housing in Savannah is affordable for Savannahians.” 

What: CHSA 35th Anniversary and Savannah Gardens Pinnacle Celebration

When: April 19, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Where: Edgelawn Circle Park, Edgelawn Cir., Savannah, Ga.

CHSA History

In April of 1989, Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. was formed by the City of Savannah in partnership with banking and community leaders in Savannah. The City of Savannah has provided steady support for CHSA including investments through the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund. In the early years, local banks participated in loan opportunities through participation loans. In 2017, CHSA became a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and has evolved its loan portfolio to embrace new finance opportunities through national CDFI collaborations.

Savannah Gardens History

The 44-acre Savannah Gardens neighborhood is built on the site of Tattnall Homes, workforce housing originally constructed during World War II for shipbuilders and their families. The redevelopment began in 2007. CHSA partnered with both public and private funders to secure financing to construct the $120 million development. CHSA Development, a subsidiary of CHSA, served as the master developer for the project. Mercy Housing Southeast partnered with CHSA to build multifamily and senior housing, and small builders and developers constructed single family homes. The Savannah Gardens neighborhood has won awards and received accolades from both HUD and the Urban Land Institute.

“Back when CHSA Development first purchased the Strathmore Estates to create Savannah Gardens, people had trouble envisioning our success,” said Smith-Dixon. “Today, looking to the future, we know we can continue making award-winning housing investments, and bring housing opportunities to more people.”

Ticket and sponsorship information for the event is available on the CHSA website at www.chsainc.org/celebration. Or call 912-651-2169.