In 1973, a group of concerned citizens in Georgetown County recognized the need for affordable housing for low-income families. The Georgetown Housing Authority (GHA) was formed to bridge the gap for low-income families by providing safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants afforded the citizens of Georgetown County to build the first public housing complex called Westside Apartments. This complex houses 180 families and consists of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom units. There is one 5 bedroom unit which is utilized as a temporary shelter, operated by a local non-profit agency.

In 1982, the Housing Authority began construction on its second complex, North Street Apartments, and the 35 unit complex was completed in 1983.

In 1986, a third complex was completed in the Maryville Community. The Maryville South Apartments consists of 50 units and a community center.

In 1992, the Board of Directors and Executive Director determined that there was a greater need for affordable housing and began the process of purchasing 15 single family homes and taking on the daunting task of acquiring property to build 15 new single-family homes. Today, there are 30 scattered single family homes in Georgetown and Andrews that provide families the opportunity to live in a neighborhood setting.

Currently, Georgetown Housing Authority has 296 public housing units and 163 Housing Choice Vouchers available to serve the needs of the community.

In addition to providing housing, the Georgetown Housing Authority also offers programs and services to enrich the lives of the residents they serve. Some of these services include an after-school and summer program for school-age children, seminars, and activities for elderly residents, and an on-site social worker to assist residents and the community alike with applications for social services and financial aid for education.