KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 4, 2026) – The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) awarded Southeastern Housing Foundation (SHF) $600,000 on Thursday, September 3 through the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund (THTF). The award will support the second phase of the rehabilitation of Hiawassee Square Apartments, a low-income housing development near downtown Knoxville.
“THDA is proud to support Southeastern Housing Foundation in the rehabilitation of Hiawassee Square, a project that will help to preserve affordable housing opportunities in Knoxville while also investing in the community’s future”, said THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey.
Hiawassee Square Apartments is a 24-unit development, consisting of two- and three-bedroom apartments, serving as a permanent housing solution for low-income families in Knoxville. The upgrades to the units include updated appliances, plumbing, new windows, flooring and HVAC improvements, as well as aesthetic enhancements to the complex.
“Southeastern Housing Foundation is honored to be partnering with THDA on rehabilitation work at our Hiawassee Square apartment complex,” said SHF President Chris Martin. “Knoxville continues to have a high demand for affordable housing and this grant from THDA will help us maintain this property with new finishings and address many items that will help us provide newly updated apartments to our residents while maintaining affordability.”
THDA awards THTF grants to non-profit partners for projects that develop or preserve rental housing for low and very low-income households, the elderly and individuals with special needs. Funding for THTF grants is generated from revenue earned through THDA’s Great Choice mortgage program.