$100K in HOME Grant Funds Helps Columbia Resident Stay in His Home

Issue #799

August 21, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 90, low of 65

📰 $100K in HOME Grant Funds Helps Columbia Resident Stay in His Home

🚒 Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Free Citizens Fire Academy Returns This September

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

$100K in HOME Grant Funds Helps Columbia Resident Stay in His Home

From Columbiatn.gov’s news page…

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.

Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Free Citizens Fire Academy Returns This September

Columbia Fire & Rescue is now accepting applications for the 2026 Citizens Fire Academy, a free, hands-on learning experience for adults ages 18 and older. The six-week program provides participants with a behind-the-scenes look at life in the fire service, offering firsthand insight into the operations, challenges and teamwork that define Columbia Fire & Rescue’s commitment to protecting the community.

“The Citizens Fire Academy is an important opportunity to strengthen community engagement and provide residents with greater insight into the work of Columbia Fire & Rescue,” said City Manager Tony Massey.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of interactive activities, including:

• Live fire equipment demonstrations

• CPR training

• Fire station tours

• Presentations from CFR’s Emergency Management, Fire Marshal and Training divisions

• A hands-on mock fire scene featuring hose deployment, ladder operations and search-and-rescue tactics

Led by Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel, the Citizens Fire Academy is designed to strengthen the department’s connection with the community through education, transparency and engagement. Participants will gain a greater understanding of the department’s operations and the many services provided by its personnel each day.

“Every day, our firefighters rely on training, teamwork and preparation to serve this community,” said Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “The Citizens Fire Academy gives residents the chance to experience some of that training firsthand and see what it takes to be a member of Columbia Fire & Rescue. We look forward to welcoming this year’s class and sharing more about the work our department does to keep Columbia safe.”

The 2026 Citizens Fire Academy will run from September 15 through October 20, with sessions held every Tuesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at various Columbia fire stations.

Applications are available at ColumbiaTN.gov now through September 4.

For additional information or questions, contact Columbia Fire & Rescue at 931-560-1700.

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, August 21st

Saturday, August 22nd

Sunday, August 23rd

Monday, August 24th 

Tuesday, August 25th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, August 21
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Eastern Dreamers - Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Christian Chapman - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-9 PM
Yonder Grove - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Tommy Wheatley - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
The Deltaz with Opening Act Timbo - Puckett's, 8-10 PM
Covered Wagon - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 22
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Patton James & The Syncromatics - 600 N Main St, Mt Pleasant, TN, 6-9 PM
StevieRock Acoustic Duo - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Michael Rix - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
MFT - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Scotty Morton - The Boondox, 8 PM

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