NASHVILLE, Tn. (Aug. 21, 2025) — Phase one of Tennessee Community Assistance Corporation’s (TCAC) new affordable housing complex in Newport, Tennessee broke ground during a ceremony held on Thursday, Aug. 21.
The project, Newport Commons, was awarded $892,488 from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s (THDA) HOME Rental Development program in January of 2024 to support the construction of six one-bedroom apartment units.
All HOME programs administered by THDA are federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HOME Investments and partnerships program. The HOME Rental Development program provides funding for the creation or rehabilitation of rental housing projects with 11 or fewer units. The program specifically aims to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in Tennessee.
“Families in the Newport community will soon have access to safe, accessible and affordable rental housing with the development of Newport Commons,” said Ralph Perrey, Executive Director of THDA. “Our partners at TCAC are developing an invaluable resource and taking us a step further in solving the housing shortage in Tennessee.”
The complex will serve residents making at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income for Cocke County and provide safe, modern and energy-efficient apartments to meet the needs of working families and seniors.
“Access to safe and affordable housing is essential for building strong, thriving communities,” said Krystal Gibbons, Executive Director of TCAC. “This project reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting housing needs in Cocke County as we continue our long-term recovery work.”
TCAC’s goal is to help renters transition into sustainable homeownership by providing education, financial coaching and access to affordable homeownership opportunities.