Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1512887
88 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 If a citizen has never heard of ECD, what would you tell them? With our department, we really focus on community. So even though our name is economic and community development, our real focus is on the community and how we can provide services to low to moderate income individuals in the community. Which of ECD's programs do you think have the most impact? Two of the most impactful programs are our roofing program and the funds that we give to sub-recipients. A roof can be one big step to keep people in the homes they've lived in for a long time, where their families live, and where they've been proud to be homeowners. In most instances, if your roof is leaking, it'll be sooner that W a n z i n a J a c k s o n PHOTO BY MATT ODOM | INTERVIEWED BY JULIA MORRISON you'll have to do some major repairs. Individuals who are low- to moderate- income within Macon-Bibb County can apply to us. As long as they are eligible, that can get a roof from us. The second of our most impactful programs are the funds we give to sub-recipients. Any non-governmental agency that receives funds from us is considered to be a sub-recipient. Some examples of the types of agencies we work with are places like a domestic violence shelter or mentorship program for youth. These agencies provide services such as after school programs, senior services, and family counseling. And then with those funds, we have HOME funds, wherein we can provide housing opportunities. Several developers have applied to us to put funds towards housing development, whether that be affordable housing for rentals or to sell for community homeownership. Some of those sub-recipients have been Habitat for Humanity, guiding folks towards owning homes, as well as River Edge, providing supportive housing for people who need clinical support with mental illness or substance use treatment. Tell us a story about someone who has flourished with ECD's help. I remember a single mother who came through the whole arc of our affordable housing programs including a home buyer's workshop. She started in affordable housing and then ended up as a homeowner. That assistance offered by us – she took advantage of it to have a life-changing accomplishment. H E R O E S A M O N G U S W anzina Jackson is the Director of Economic and Community Development, or ECD, for Macon-Bibb County. A proud Central Georgia native and Fort Valley State University graduate, she loves her Delta Sigma Theta sorors and has been involved in a number of community organizations, from Historic Macon Foundation to Junior League.