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SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Garden City) is announcing the launch of a few new initiatives that will focus on lowering crime by reducing poverty.

Gilliard has several events coming up to discuss his new initiatives. The first event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at the Con Ed Building in Savannah. There will be a ribbon cutting and news conference where he will discuss his new upcoming initiatives. He says there will be examples of programs and resources that will directly serve the citizens of Chatham County.

"We have a program coming to Savannah for the very first time called the Dream Program, and the Dream Program will allow people who are renting properties or who might not even have a home, to be able to get that home and get that down payment and get that assistance," Rep. Gilliard said.

Other events will be later this month and in September, including a program about home ownership and down payments.

Event details about Rep. Gilliard’s new initiatives are as follows:

• Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Con Ed Building Suite 5 (714 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Ga. 31401). Ribbon Cutting and press conference to discuss upcoming initiatives. Rep. Gilliard will open his Savannah office and a new legislative resource office at the Con Ed Building. At this event, there will be examples of programs and resources that will directly serve the citizens of Chatham County.

• Monday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Southwest Library Auditorium (14097 Abercorn St., Savannah, Ga., 31419): Rep. Gilliard will partner with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to introduce the “Dream Program,” which will provide home ownership/ down payment assistance.

• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Garden City Public Library Auditorium (104 Sunshine Ave., Garden City, GA 31405): Rep. Gilliard will host a lunch and learn entitled, “Is your Cash Flowing?” This event is targeted toward small businesses, those pursuing business startups, maximizing cash flow, forecasting revenue, financing equipment, and more. Veritas CFO Matt Clark will speak at the event.

• Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chatham County DFCS office (761 Wheaton St., Savannah, Ga. 31401): Rep. Gilliard will hold a seminar and workshop entitled, “Up and Out of Poverty” in partnership with DFCS and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. The event will include empowerment programs that focus on how those in poverty can reach sustainability.

All events are free and open to the public. Those interested in attending should register in advance by calling Rep. Gilliard Savannah office at 912.436.5325.