Up to $2.5M per project | $25M total fund
Building housing requires more than a good plan — it requires flexible capital to close the gap. The Housing Catalyst Fund (HCF) delivers subordinate financing to attainable and mixed-income multifamily rental developments, helping projects that serve DeKalb residents get across the finish line.
How It Works
Decide DeKalb provides subordinate loans of up to $2.5 million per multifamily rental project — structured to align with senior debt and equity — in exchange for affordability commitments.
Who is Eligible
- New construction, acquisition and substantial rehabilitation projects
- Minimum 20 rental units
- At least 10 units reserved for households earning up to 120% AMI
- Located in DeKalb County, Georgia
- LIHTC and non-LIHTC projects welcome
Key Financing Terms
- Units reserved for households earning up to 60% AMI: $100,000 per unit
- Units reserved for households earning 61-80% AMI: $75,000 per unit
- Units reserved for households earning 81-120% AMI: $50,000 per unit
- Maximum funding amount per project:$2,500,000
- Interest rates: up to 4.5% based on underwriting
- Loan Terms may extend up to 45 years
- Interest Only periods available, contingent upon financial feasibility
- Debt Service Coverage Ratio: 1.10x – 1.30x (must pay debt)
- Maximum Combined LTV: 95% | Maximum Combined LTC: 90%
How to Apply
Applications for Tiers 1 & 2 launch July 31st, 2026 at 12:00 PM. In the event there are remaining funds after Tier 1 and 2 awards, applications for Tier 3 will open November 2nd, 2026.
Decide DeKalb is prioritizing application in three (3) tiers:
Tier 1: Projects applying for 4% LIHTC to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in September 2026. Approved Tier 1 projects will be approved by the Board of Directors at the September Board meeting, and awardees will receive a commitment letter contingent upon receipt of the 4% LIHTC award from DCA. Application Deadline: August 21st, 2026.
Tier 2: Eligible projects with an anticipated financial closing date no later than December 31, 2026. Application Deadline: September 25th, 2026. If 2026 closings are fully committed prior to this date, the deadline will be adjusted.
Tier 3: Eligible projects that do not meet the requirements of Tier 1 or Tier 2.