Local Business
09/30/2026 · Catoosa County
US Economy Grows 2.2% in Second Quarter, Government Reports
The U.S. economy expanded by 2.2% in the second quarter, according to new government data. This figure represents an upward revision from earlier estimates. The Commerce Department released the updated gross domestic product numbers today.
U.S. Imposes New Tariffs on Canadian Goods Valued at $1 Billion
The United States implemented tariffs today on $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including motorcycles and alcoholic beverages. This action follows previous trade measures between the two nations. The tariffs represent a fraction of the total annual trade volume.
09/30/2026
U.S. Economic Confidence Reaches Decade Low Amid Price and Wage Concerns
Americans' confidence in the economy has fallen to its lowest point in over a decade this month. Citizens point to sustained high prices and unchanging wages as factors influencing their negative economic outlook. The ongoing Iran war also contributes to the current sentiment.
09/30/2026
Retailers Vary Product Pricing for Consumers
Companies in retail, travel, and food sectors sometimes charge different prices to individual consumers for identical products or services. This practice can involve randomized price changes or adjustments based on collected consumer data.
10/01/2026
Consumers Face Dynamic Pricing Strategies, Seek Ways to Secure Best Deals
Retailers have adjusted their product pricing approaches. This shift has led consumers to seek methods for ensuring they receive optimal deals on purchases. Strategies focus on limiting personal data shared during shopping.
09/29/2026
U.S. Home Prices Show Annual Gain in July, Real Values Decline
U.S. home prices rose 1.9% annually in July 2026, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index. This marks an increase from the 1.6% annual gain recorded in the previous month. However, real home values experienced a decrease for the fourteenth consecutive month.
09/29/2026
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View allApply for the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Apply for the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program | Georgia.gov Skip to main content State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Hurricane Isaias Prepare for severe weather and follow official updates. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program provides affordable mortgage financing for eligible homebuyers. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program makes purchasing a home possible for eligible residents. Georgia Dream provides affordable financing options, down payment and closing cost assistance, and homebuyer education. Active military members, public protectors, educators, healthcare providers, and residents with family members living with a disability qualify for special down payment loan options. Determine if You’re Eligible To qualify for the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, you must: Be a first-time homebuyer, have not owned a home in the past three years, or be purchasing a home in certain areas of Georgia. Not have a household income that exceeds the maximum household income (visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website for income limits). Have liquid assets of no more than $20,000 or 20% of the sales price (whichever is greater). Meet mortgage loan credit requirements. Be purchasing a home with a sales price that does not exceed the limit (varies by county). Visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website for more eligibility details. Gather What You’ll Need Qualifying for a mortgage through the Georgia Dream program requires certain documentation. Please work closely with your lender to collect and fill out all the required forms and paperwork. Required documents include: Most recent 3 consecutive years IRS transcripts Most recent signed complete personal tax returns A copy of lender’s Delegated Underwriter’s Transmittal signed 92900LT form with comments stating his/her review of the application Credit report Fraud report A signed Application Affidavit form (required by Georgia Dream) Signed letter of explanation addressing all prior addresses and no prior homeownership or a copy of the no-record results to the IRS request for the prior 3 years 1098 transcripts A minimum of $1,000 to put toward your home purchase Get Qualified Contact a Georgia Dream Participating Lender to pre-qualify and begin the mortgage loan process. Visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) website for a list of participating lenders or call DCA at 1-800-359-HOME (4663) to get started. Next Steps Once you are pre-qualified, you can begin your home search process. Homebuyer counseling is required for all Georgia Dream loans. Georgia Dream borrowers must attend and complete either a homebuyer education workshop, an individual housing counseling session, or an online homebuyer education course through E-Home America. The average Georgia Dream process takes about 60 days from application to closing. Last updated April 2026 Visit 60 Executive Park South NE Atlanta, GA 30329 Primary (404) 679-4840 HCV Helpline (470) 802-4707 Facebook page for Department of Community Affairs X page for Department of Community Affairs LinkedIn page for Department of Community Affairs Instagram page for Department of Community Affairs Youtube page for Department of Community Affairs More Resources Related Services Find Available Rental Housing Apply for Housing Choice Voucher Program Related Links Georgia Dream Homeownership Program Did you find what you were looking for on this page? Extra feedback Send feedback
Safe and Affordable Housing
Safe and Affordable Housing Georgia provides programs to help residents in need find safe and affordable housing. Apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program The Housing Choice Voucher Program can help families find safe, affordable rentals. Learn more Find Available Rental Housing You can find safe, affordable rental housing through an online search tool. Learn more Apply for the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program provides affordable mortgage financing for eligible homebuyers. Learn more Tax Credits for Affordable Housing Tax credits for landlords of affordable rental housing for low-income tenants. Learn more Related Topics SNAP (formerly food stamps) Medicaid Aging Services Related Agency Department of Community Affairs
Apply to the New Option Waiver Program & Comprehensive Support Waiver Program
Apply to New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP) | Georgia.gov Skip to main content State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Hurricane Isaias Prepare for severe weather and follow official updates. These Medicaid waiver programs support eligible Georgians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities A Medicaid waiver provides funding for services that support people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. These services are typically provided in the home or community rather than in an institution. NOW supports individuals who can live independently or with family. COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, including residential care. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) administers Medicaid and partners with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to operate these programs. NOW and COMP services are accessed through DBHDD regional field offices and the Georgia Collaborative Administrative Services Organization (ASO). Make Sure You’re Eligible To qualify for NOW and COMP, you must be eligible for Medicaid and: Have an intellectual disability before age 18 or a related developmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy before age 22. Have significant limitations in intellectual or adaptive functioning Require the level of care provided in an intermediate care facility DBHDD does not determine Medicaid eligibility. You may need to apply for Medicaid separately through DCH. Gather What You’ll Need Proof of citizenship Social Security and Medicaid cards Psychological evaluations and/or records from schools, providers, or care facilities You can upload required documents during the online application process. Fill Out and Submit Your Application You can apply for NOW and COMP services online, in person, or by mail. NOW & COMP - Fill Out and Submit Your Application Apply online Visit the Georgia Collaborative ASO website and access the Individual IDD Connects portal Create an account to start your application Complete and submit the referral form Upload all required documents directly to your account You can save your progress and return later if needed Online applications are processed faster. Paper applications must be manually entered into the system, which may delay processing. Apply in person Download and print the following forms:Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A) Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A) Visit your local DBHDD regional field office. Staff can help you complete and submit your application. DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview. DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment. Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment. Apply by mail Download and print the following forms:Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A) Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A) Complete the form and send it to your DBHDD regional field office. (Forms can also be faxed.) DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview. DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment. Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment. Next Steps Application Review DBHDD staff will review your application to make sure it is complete You will be contacted if additional documents are needed Your application must be fully submitted, not just started, before review begins Pre-eligibility Determination A DBHDD psychologist reviews your application You may be contacted for more information or an interview You will receive a letter with the decision If denied, you will receive information about how to appeal Planning List Placement If pre-eligible, you will be placed on the planning list for developmental disabilities services Priority is based on the level of need such as health, safety, and caregiver support, not time on the list Final Eligibility and Funding Individuals with the highest needs are reviewed by an external partner, Alliant-Georgia Medical Care Foundation, for final eligibility If approved, you will receive waiver funding Begin Services A service plan will be developed based on your strengths, needs, and goals You will choose providers and begin receiving services in your home or community NOW and COMP services must be reviewed and renewed each year. Last updated April 2026 Primary 200 Piedmont Avenue, S.E. West Tower, 14th Floor Atlanta, GA 30334 Hours Closed Sunday: closed Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday: closed All in Eastern Time Zone Primary (404) 657-2252 Facebook page for Main Phone X page for Main Phone LinkedIn page for Main Phone DBHDD Regional Field Offices Search by city, county, or zip code More Resources Related Services Apply for Medicaid Did you find what you were looking for on this page? Extra feedback Send feedback
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