Columbia, TN (August 20, 2026) - A longtime Columbia resident is safely back in the home he has known for more than 40 years following an extensive rehabilitation made possible through the HOME Grant Program.
The City received a $750,000 grant in 2024 from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of single-family homes for qualifying low-income households. Following the grant award, applications were opened, and participants were reviewed and selected in accordance with THDA and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. The South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD) administers the program on behalf of the City.
Among the residents selected for assistance was Mr. Angus, whose longtime home had developed significant safety and accessibility concerns, including damaged flooring, roof leaks, water intrusion, lead hazards, and an inaccessible bathroom. Blind since young adulthood, Mr. Angus relies on the familiarity of his home to navigate independently.
Following an assessment, approximately $100,000 of the City’s $750,000 HOME grant award was invested in necessary rehabilitation and accessibility improvements to Mr. Angus’ home.
Today, Mr. Angus is back home, with improvements that provide greater safety and accessibility while helping him maintain his independence.
“All of these improvements have helped me immensely,” said Mr. Angus. “I have fewer falls now that my home is more accessible. Thank you to SCTDD, my family, and my caretakers for all of their support.”
Vice Mayor Randy McBroom pointed to Mr. Angus’ experience as an example of the meaningful difference the City’s housing initiatives can make in the lives of residents.
“This is exactly the kind of impact we want to see from our housing initiatives,” said Vice Mayor Randy McBroom. “By actively pursuing and leveraging grant opportunities, the City can build on our local efforts and bring additional resources to Columbia that directly benefit our residents. This project is a great example of the success of these efforts.”
In total, the grant is helping six families within the City of Columbia, with each household receiving assistance for extensive housing needs. Projects include substantial rehabilitation and, in some cases, home reconstruction. All available grant funds have been committed to the six selected projects and are actively being used to complete the work.
“We appreciate every opportunity to work with our partners at THDA and the South Central Tennessee Development District to deliver impactful results for Columbia citizens like Mr. Angus,” said Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski. “Programs like the HOME Grant Program are game changers for residents who qualify for assistance.”
The City of Columbia appreciates the South Central Tennessee Development District for its partnership, administration of the HOME Grant Program on behalf of the City, and for providing information and background that contributed to this article.
ABOUT COLUMBIA, TN
The City of Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, located 45 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. Columbia is experiencing a renaissance of new industry, residential development, a bustling historic downtown square, and emerging arts district while attracting companies, residents, and visitors looking for affordability, quality of life, and a Main Street experience, all in a convenient location. Columbia is a Southern Living ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ and the ancestral home of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk.
