This year’s Ride for the Westside once again brought the Atlanta community together in motion and in purpose. Hosted by Westside Future Fund (WFF), the fourth annual event featured an 11-mile bike ride, a 5K run, and a walking tour of Atlanta’s historic Westside. With family-friendly activities and celebrations at the finish line, the day welcomed participants of all ages and fitness levels to experience the rich history and vibrant future of the Westside.

Over 500 participants gathered early on September 27, setting off under morning skies that rose over landmarks central to Atlanta’s story. Friends, families, and supporters filled the streets, united in support of a cause bigger than the miles ahead: advancing a brighter future for the historic Westside community.

Purpose Behind the Movement

Ride for the Westside is more than a ride, run, or walk — it is a movement rooted in community and legacy. Each stride, step, and pedal helps drive the mission of WFF: securing high-quality affordable housing, supporting cradle-to-career education, enhancing community health and wellness, and ensuring safety and security across the historic Westside.

Participants passed by cultural and civil rights landmarks, including the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gaining a deeper appreciation for the Westside’s enduring role in shaping Atlanta and the nation. Along the way, they also saw the progress being made—vacant and blighted properties transformed into high-quality, affordable homes for longtime residents with deep ties to the community.

Highlights from the Day

The day was filled with memorable moments:

• Families and neighbors celebrating together as children and parents proudly crossed the finish line.
• Community leaders and residents sharing stories of transformation and hope tied to WFF’s programs.
• First-time participants and returning supporters alike exploring the historic Westside neighborhoods, discovering history, and witnessing the progress that collective action is making possible.

From the cycling route to the running path to the guided walking tour, each experience offered a unique way to connect with the Westside’s past, present, and future.

A Lasting Impact

Funds raised through Ride for the Westside will directly support WFF’s holistic work across its four impact areas: affordable mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education, safety and security, and community health and wellness. These investments are making the vision of a community Dr. King would be proud to call home a reality.

The event would not have been possible without the commitment of volunteers, sponsors, and the many community partners who made the day a success. Most importantly, we extend gratitude to every participant who showed up — not just to ride, run, or walk — but to stand with the historic Westside.

Together, we are building a stronger future, rooted in history, carried forward by community, and powered by purpose.

The September 19 Transform Westside Summit brought together leading voices from across Atlanta’s philanthropic community as recipients of the 2025 Beloved Benefit presented by the Same House convened for a conversation themed “Building The Same House: Advancing Beloved Community & Economic Mobility in Atlanta.” 

The gathering brought together nonprofit leaders, community voices, and institutional partners for a robust conversation about inclusion, belonging and the work of economic justice in Atlanta.

John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund, opened the summit and welcomed the participants, setting the tone for an exchange that would bridge vision and action. The morning devotional was presented by Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, who also spoke about the mission and model of his organization, which seeks to bridge social divides and invest in economic mobility. 

After a rousing round of neighbor introductions, the morning’s session was moderated by Amara Walker, an Emmy-award winning communicator. She led a panel discussing community and economic mobility.

The panel featured voices from across sectors, each bringing different vantage points on community, economy, and systems change:

• Bruce Deel, Founder & CEO of City of Refuge, emphasized the role of comprehensive services—housing, mental/physical health, vocational supports—as foundational to breaking cycles of poverty. 
• Marlin D. Harris, of New Life Community Alliance, brought a community development and faith-rooted perspective to the table. 
• Kwame Johnson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Atlanta, stressed the importance of mentorship, opportunity, and relational capital in economic mobility. 
• Dr. Victoria Seals, President of Atlanta Technical College, addressed workforce readiness, credentialing, and alignment between education and opportunity. 
• Santiago Marquez, CEO of the Latin American Association, called attention to immigrant communities, language access, housing, and inclusion as essential to a just city. 
• Dr. Sarah Y. Vinson, Professor & Chair in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine, lifted up the intersections of mental health and community well-being: how trauma, stress, and access to care shape lives. 
• John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund, underscored that stable, affordable housing is the foundation for economic mobility, and shared how the Home on the Westside program helps ensure longtime residents can remain in and thrive within their community.

From the conversation, several themes stood out as foundational to advancing the vision of a beloved community:

• Collaboration is the only way forward.
  Bruce Deel of City of Refuge stressed that “collaboration is the only way it works. None of us can do everything.” He shared how his organization partners with Atlanta Technical College, Westside Future Fund, and vocational training programs to create pathways to livable wages, which in turn stabilize housing and strengthen community security.
• Mentorship transforms potential into opportunity.
  Kwame Johnson of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta described their new Level Up program, which places paid mentors in schools every day: “Attendance is up, discipline is down, suspensions are down. And we’re now teaching 20 cities in our network how to do it.” His story underscored that mentorship at scale can break cycles of poverty by ensuring every student has daily access to guidance and support.
• Education is a powerful engine of economic mobility.
  Dr. Victoria Seals of Atlanta Technical College highlighted how dual enrollment and technical programs can transform households: “More than 20% of our students come from households of less than $25,000. They can do one program with us and are able to earn $60,000.” She emphasized that collaboration allows limited resources to go further and create generational change.
• Health and education are inseparable.
  Dr. Sarah Vinson of Morehouse School of Medicine noted that schools are central to youth well-being: “We talk about social determinants of health, but there are social and psychological determinants of educational achievement.” She explained that mental health services in schools are critical to helping young people realize their potential.
• Building bridges across communities creates strength.
  Santiago Marquez of the Latin American Association reflected on collaboration with African-American leaders and lessons from nonviolent movements: “We need to learn from the African-American community … how do we build those bridges and actually learn about nonviolent protest that can help change the world?” His remarks illustrated the power of cross-community learning and solidarity.
• Leadership rooted in listening inspires lasting change.
  Panelists praised leaders like Rodney Bullard, Dan Cathy, and Arthur Blank for their example. As Bruce Deel recalled, “Dan didn’t come in saying you need to do A, B, and C. He came in asking questions … let the community talk to us versus us talking down.” Their authenticity and humility have modeled how business and civic leaders can empower communities.

John Ahmann closed the summit by affirming WFF’s commitment to the path ahead and inviting continued collaboration. This monthly summit was an anchor point—one moment in ongoing dialogue and action.

If you missed the live session or want to revisit the discussion, you can watch the full summit recording below!

Don’t forget to mark your calendar: the Transform Westside Summits continue monthly, gathering leaders and community voices to envision and build a Westside shaped by equity, inclusion, and economic possibility.

Westside Future Fund is proud to celebrate longtime community leader Tracy Bates as one of our newest homeowners through the Home on the Westside program.

For decades, Tracy has been a tireless advocate for her neighborhood and a champion for preserving the heart of the community she calls home. She currently serves as President of the Historic Westside Cultural Arts Council, English Avenue Neighborhood Association President, and a faithful member of Lindsey Street Baptist Church.

Through her leadership, passion, and steady voice, Tracy has poured into the Westside and worked to ensure it remains a vibrant place for generations to come.

This summer, Tracy took the next step in her Westside journey by purchasing a two-bedroom, two-bath home with support from Home on the Westside. With the help of down payment assistance, she transitioned from advocate to homeowner—a milestone that reflects her deep commitment to staying rooted where her heart has always been.

Tracy has always known the truth: the Westside is the best side. The Westside Future Fund team is grateful for her leadership, her love for this community, and the breath of fresh air she continues to bring as our neighbor.

Congratulations, Tracy, and welcome home!

If you’re interested in finding your own pathway to homeownership, you can learn more here.

Lasting progress in Atlanta’s historic Westside is built on strong partnerships that unite vision, resources and community spirit. Westside Future Fund is proud to expand our partnership with Progress Residential, whose commitment to service and stability continues to strengthen neighborhoods, support legacy residents and create new pathways to opportunity.

A Deeper Commitment to Service

In 2024, Progress Residential partnered with Westside Future Fund to support community-driven initiatives like the Ride for the Westside, neighborhood cleanups and our annual Holiday Gift Giveaway. Looking ahead to 2025, Progress has deepened its investment as our first-ever official Volunteer Sponsor through a $100,000 commitment.

This expanded role not only increases financial support but also broadens opportunities for Progress team members to engage directly in volunteer service across Westside Future Fund events. Team members will continue to roll up their sleeves to serve alongside residents and neighbors, helping foster safe, vibrant and thriving communities.

“Our partnership with Westside Future Fund reflects our belief that true community impact happens when investment is paired with personal involvement,” Progress Residential Co-President Harish Ramalingam said. “We are honored to serve alongside Westside Future Fund in creating stronger communities where individual and families can thrive.”

Rolling Up Their Sleeves

Progress Residential employees are no strangers to volunteering with Westside Future Fund. From joining the MLK Day of Service to cycling in the Ride for the Westside to wrapping and distributing gifts at our Holiday Giving campaign, their participation reflects both joy and humility.

One volunteer shared that it was a chance to “connect with the community in a way that was bigger than us” while another described the experience as “humbling and inspiring, a reminder that small acts of service can make a lasting impact.”

Looking Ahead

As Progress Residential deepens its engagement, Westside Future Fund is excited for the road ahead. Together, we will continue to foster equitable revitalization, support legacy residents and create brighter futures for generations to come. 

“Progress Residential’s support is helping us deliver on our mission to create a community where legacy residents can stay and thrive,” said John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund. “Their investment as our first Volunteer Sponsor shows a deep commitment to both people and place. We are grateful to have a partner that not only provides resources but also brings their employees into the heart of the work.” 

We are grateful for Progress Residential’s leadership, generosity and service, and we look forward to building on this expanded partnership.

Want to learn more about partnering with Westside Future Fund? Contact us today.

On Atlanta’s Historic Westside, families who have lived here for generations face some of the steepest housing pressures in the city. Rents continue to rise, incomes remain far below the regional average, and far too many families live one unexpected bill away from losing their home.

That’s why Westside Future Fund (WFF) is grateful for renewed support from the Fulton County Community Services Program. For the third year in a row, CSP funding will help us provide emergency rental and utility assistance — keeping families stable during moments of crisis.

What This Means for Families

Last year, nearly one in eight households in WFF’s Home on the Westside program relied on this lifeline. For many families, it meant being able to stay in their apartment when unexpected bills hit or keeping the lights on during a tough month.

These challenges are all too common in historically disinvested neighborhoods, where 70% of residents live below the poverty line. They reflect the lived reality of many Westside families — resilient and deeply rooted in community, yet vulnerable to being priced out of the neighborhoods they’ve always called home.

Building Stability

Through Home on the Westside, WFF pairs affordable housing with wraparound supports — from financial literacy workshops to education referrals — that help families move beyond crisis and toward economic mobility. In 2025, more than 400 Westside residents will benefit from these combined efforts.

A Shared Commitment

For seven years, Fulton County has invested in this vision — first helping us expand educational opportunities for students, and now helping families remain housed. Together, we’re ensuring the historic Westside’s restoration is compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in community retention.

Because when families who built these neighborhoods can stay in these neighborhoods, the historic Westside moves closer to becoming a community Dr. King would be proud to call home.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is proud to celebrate Avona Bridges, the newest homeowner through our Home on the Westside program — a milestone rooted in family and love for community.

A proud mother of five, Avona serves the historic Westside through her work with Invest Atlanta, helping to shape the neighborhoods she now calls home. Her beautiful four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home in English Avenue marks a powerful continuation of her family’s legacy in the neighborhood.

Avona’s connection to the historic Westside runs deep. Her father and his siblings were raised in English Avenue, and the area has remained a meaningful part of her family’s story across generations. Now, Avona is raising her own children in the same community — planting new roots in a place that has long felt like home.

Her journey reflects the mission of Home on the Westside: to help residents who live, work, or learn in the historic Westside neighborhoods buy high-quality, affordable homes in the community they cherish. By eliminating common barriers to homeownership, the program empowers families like Avona’s to build stability and generational wealth right where they belong.

“We’re honored to walk alongside families like Avona’s — helping them stay in the communities they love and build toward long-term success,” said Tameka Askew, Director of Home on the Westside at WFF.

As the historic Westside experiences continued restoration, stories like Avona’s underscore what that progress is truly about: ensuring those with ties to the community have the opportunity not just to remain, but to thrive.

Learn more about Home on the Westside at homeonthewestside.com. 

The Beloved Benefit is a movement — one rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a Beloved Community, where business, philanthropy, and neighbors come together to ensure opportunity and dignity for all.

This year, Westside Future Fund (WFF) was humbled to once again be named a beneficiary, joining a powerful coalition of organizations committed to building a more equitable Atlanta. Together, the event raised an extraordinary $8.2 million to advance community-driven solutions across the city.

For WFF, those resources will directly support our mission of helping legacy residents remain rooted in the historic Westside while creating pathways for families to live, learn, and thrive.

A Moment that Moved the Room

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Home on the Westside resident Destiny Motley shared her journey.

“Five years ago, I was sleeping in my car. Today, I’m a homeowner on the historic Westside. Because of Westside Future Fund, I found community, I found purpose, I found home.”

Destiny’s story is proof that transformation is not only possible — it’s happening. Her voice reminded us all why this work matters: when we lead with purpose and invest in people, we unlock the potential of entire communities.

Honoring Visionary Leaders

The evening also paid tribute to two giants in Atlanta’s philanthropic community: Arthur M. Blank and Dan T. Cathy. Their decades of investment in people and communities have reshaped the fabric of our city. Their recognition at the Beloved Benefit underscored the night’s message: when leadership, compassion, and community align, entire cities can change for the better.

Gratitude and Shared Purpose

We are deeply grateful to The Same House for hosting this extraordinary event, to our Board Member and community champion Rodney Bullard for his leadership, and to the entire Beloved Benefit family for shining a spotlight on the stories and organizations that define Atlanta at its best.

At Westside Future Fund, we know our mission cannot be accomplished alone. It takes neighbors, partners, and visionaries working together to restore the promise of the historic Westside. The Beloved Benefit is a reminder that Atlanta is strongest when we live into Dr. King’s call to create a Beloved Community — one where every family can find stability, every child can thrive, and every resident can take pride in calling this city home.

Carrying the Vision Forward

The work continues well beyond one night. Every story like Destiny’s, every family that stays rooted in the community they love, every child who walks into a classroom with the tools to succeed — these are the building blocks of the Beloved Community.

With the continued support of partners and neighbors, we remain steadfast in our mission: to restore the historic Westside into a community worthy of its proud legacy and its bright future, a community Dr. King would be proud to call home.

Watch to Hear Destiny’s Story

At Westside Future Fund, our work has always been about people — walking alongside neighbors, helping families stay rooted in the community they love, and building a future together. This August, we are grieving the heartbreaking and unexpected loss of one of the people who embodied that mission every day: our colleague and dear friend, Nicole Jones.

Nicole served as the Home on the Westside Program Coordinator, where she supported residents navigating the path to housing stability. For many neighbors, Nicole was the first face they saw and the steady hand guiding them through challenging times. She had a gift for meeting people with compassion, listening deeply, and offering encouragement that made burdens feel a little lighter.

Her impact extended far beyond her role. Within our small, close-knit team, Nicole was family. She filled our office with warmth, laughter, and genuine care for everyone around her. To us, she wasn’t just a teammate — she was a friend whose presence made our work stronger and our community brighter.

Nicole is survived by her mother, father, and four children, who were the center of her world. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life and the legacy she leaves: one of kindness, service, and unwavering commitment to community.

We will miss Nicole deeply. But her example lives on in the work of Westside Future Fund and in the countless lives she touched. Please join us in keeping her family, friends, and all who loved her in your thoughts and prayers.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is preparing to take a historic step forward in English Avenue: the long-awaited demolition and redevelopment of the Oliver Street Apartments. Spanning more than four acres, this project will become the largest new development in English Avenue in over a generation — and one of the most transformative.

“For far too long, this property symbolized neglect and disinvestment,” said John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund. “Now, it will stand for opportunity, high-quality housing, and a brighter future for legacy residents and new neighbors alike.”

From Blight to Opportunity

The Oliver Street Apartments have a harsh and complicated history. By the time Westside Future Fund and OaksATL acquired the property, it was in a state of deep disrepair. Many of the units were unlivable, with some tenants still paying rent for homes in conditions no one should endure. Other units were occupied by squatters, creating unsafe and unstable living environments for those who remained.

Despite these challenges, WFF took a deliberate, compassionate approach to engaging with tenants. As part of its commitment to preventing displacement, WFF diligently relocated as many residents as possible, with several moving into WFF-owned multifamily properties where they could live in safe, high-quality housing.

That next chapter begins this August, when demolition is set to take place through a partnership between WFF and OaksATL. This critical first step is made possible thanks to $700k in funding from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provided by the City of Atlanta.

“Too often, development happens at the expense of those who already live in a community,” said Ahmann. “We’ve made it our mission to ensure that our legacy residents aren’t pushed out but instead are given the opportunity to remain and benefit from the revitalization happening around them.”

A Vision for High-Quality, Deeply Affordable Homes

With demolition set to begin soon, WFF will bring forward a bold vision for the site: a 120-unit development offering high-quality, deeply affordable housing through the organization’s signature program, Home on the Westside. The project will be supported by development partners Blue Ridge Atlantic Development. This new community will reflect WFF’s mission to ensure that those who have long called the historic Westside home can continue to do so, even as the neighborhood transforms.

The project represents the power of coordinated investment to reverse decades of neglect. By transforming these once-blighted apartments into a vibrant, livable community, WFF is delivering on its promise to restore the fabric of English Avenue while honoring its residents and history.

A Brighter Future Ahead

This project is about creating stability and opportunity for individuals and families who deserve nothing less. It’s also about continuing the momentum of revitalization across the Westside, proving that even the most blighted properties can become catalysts for hope and change.

As demolition begins and the new vision for Oliver Street takes shape, WFF remains committed to its core mission: ensuring that legacy residents can stay in the community they love, while welcoming new neighbors who share in the vision of a thriving English Avenue.

To learn more about Home on the Westside, visit www.homeonthewestside.com. 

Fernando Esquivel-Suarez arrived in Atlanta from Colombia two decades ago, never expecting the city to become his “forever home.” Today, he’s a dedicated Professor of English and Ethnic Studies at Spelman College, a role he’s held for 13 years. 

His journey to Atlanta began with his pursuit of Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at Emory University, but it was his job at Spelman that ultimately rooted him in the city. Being a Spelman faculty member also allowed him to find his home through Westside Future Fund’s signature program – Home on the Westside.

“I learned about the program because I received an email [at work],” Fernando recalled. “I attended a meeting [with Westside Future Fund], and they explained very thoroughly what the program was and how it could benefit Spelman employees.”

A first-time homeowner, Fernando has deeply enjoyed his new home since moving in a year and a half ago. Like many Atlantan renters, he’d had many stays across the city, including residences in Buckhead, Druid Hills, Virginia-Highlands, Edgewood, and the West End. The Westside, he’s discovered, offers the most convenience, especially as he’s just minutes from his workplace and other ease-of-access amenities.

From the start of his home search to finding his current residence, the process took just six months. 

“One of the greatest advantages of this program is the down payment. It’s an amount that would be difficult for some folks to have all at once, particularly those in very relevant, socially relevant professions like academia that don’t have a very high income. They were very diligently putting together grants and making sure I had a very substantial down payment to help me with the mortgage.”

With the help of Westside Future Fund, Fernando was able to receive approximately $100,000 in grants to secure his down payment. Now, he’s the proud owner of a three bedroom, two bathroom home in English Avenue — a community he hopes to stay in for years to come.

Learn more about how you can find your Home on the Westside at www.homeonthewestside.com.