Since September 2010, Hinesville has been awarded $27,374,045 in grant funding to benefit residents in a variety of areas, including city and county law enforcement and fire departments, school security, homeless prevention and housing, housing rehabilitation, Fair Housing education, veterans support, transportation enhancement, cultural venue construction, energy efficiency and conservation, water reclamation and quality enhancement, according to Hinesville spokeswoman Krystal Britton.

The Community Development Department in city hall seeks and secures federal, state, public and private funding sources to help facilitate strategic goals. Assistant City Manager Kenneth K. Howard serves as the director of the Community Development Department and oversees its operations to ensure the mission is accomplished.

“I am very fortunate to have a diverse, professional and experienced staff within the Community Development Department,” Howard said. “They are dedicated to our mission and vision, and work as a team to ensure we maximize all funding opportunities to serve the people of this city.” 

The department is comprised of the Grants Administration Office and Homeless Prevention Program with seven full-time employees and one part-time employee. Donita Gaulden, assistant director of the Community Development Department, oversees the Grants Administration Office. The city recently hired part-time grants writer Michelle Lane and welcomed Jasmine Fields and Amy Favre to assist with the daily management of grant awards. 

Daisy Jones oversees the Homeless Prevention Program, which serves to prevent homelessness through directing services and information. Sharon Baker is the case manager, and Lorraine Simpson is the Homeless Prevention Program administrative assistant. Christina DeLoach is the administrative assistant to the assistant city manager.