Community members and business leaders gathered at the June 21 Transform Westside Summit centered around the topic “Housing is Health.” The Summit emphasized the interconnection between housing stability and overall health outcomes, and featured insightful discussions from key representatives of Kaiser Permanente, including Stefanie Hurst, Senior Director of Community Health, and Dr. Sylvia Morris, MD, MPH, Hospitalist and Area Physician Market Lead.

John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, welcomed attendees and Ebony Ford, Director of Community Building & Engagement, Quest Community Development Corporation, led connection and community building. Les Canty, Westside Outreach Coordinator, CHRIS 180, gave the devotion. 

Key Moments from the Conversation

Stefanie Hurst, who joined Kaiser Permanente after nearly a decade at Grady Health System, highlighted the importance of community health initiatives. Kaiser Permanente operates as a national health plan with a substantial local impact, particularly in Georgia. Stefanie detailed how 75% of their investments align with national pillars, while 25% focus on unique market needs, ensuring that community investments meet local health priorities. Last year, Kaiser Permanente allocated $53 million to the community, with $5 million directed towards local grants supporting housing, food as medicine, economic opportunities, mental health, and maternal health.

Kaiser’s Integrated Approach to Healthcare

Dr. Sylvia Morris, an internist with Kaiser Permanente Georgia, elaborated on Kaiser’s unique integrated delivery network. This approach contrasts with the traditional fee-for-service model by prioritizing overall wellness and preventive care. Kaiser Permanente’s model ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, including physician consultations, prescriptions, imaging, and specialist services, all under one roof. This integrated model supports the goal of maintaining members’ health rather than just treating illnesses.

Kaiser’s Community Health Work in Georgia

Hurst discussed Kaiser Permanente’s significant investments in the Westside, partnering with organizations like Chris 180 and the Westside Future Fund. Their housing investments target three key areas:

1. Prevention of Homelessness: Through preservation and production of affordable housing.
2. Response to Homelessness: Providing support and resources to those experiencing homelessness.
3. Medical Respite Care: Offering temporary housing for individuals in medical crises.

Housing as a Social Determinant of Health

Dr. Morris emphasized the strong link between housing stability and health outcomes. Housing is not just a basic need but a fundamental determinant of health. Without stable housing, individuals struggle to focus on preventive care and managing chronic conditions. For instance, individuals without stable housing often face challenges like poor nutrition, lack of access to healthcare, and mental health issues.

Addressing Health Inequities through Housing

Dr. Morris highlighted that zip codes often determine life expectancy and prevalence of chronic diseases. Poor housing conditions, such as mold and lack of air conditioning, directly impact health. Access to quality housing and healthcare varies significantly across different neighborhoods, leading to health disparities.

Medical-Legal Partnerships

Hurst introduced the concept of medical-legal partnerships, an innovative approach Kaiser Permanente is adopting. This partnership involves healthcare leaders and the legal community working together to address issues like mold remediation, inappropriate evictions, and providing resources for asthma management in homes. These efforts aim to improve living conditions and, consequently, health outcomes.

The Impact of Trauma on Health

Dr. Morris discussed how trauma and housing instability affect mental health and overall well-being. She shared experiences from her practice, illustrating how unstable housing conditions complicate the management of chronic diseases and mental health issues. Kaiser Permanente’s approach emphasizes understanding the community context and addressing the root causes of health inequities.

Community Engagement and Collective Action

The Summit concluded with a call to action for community engagement and collective responsibility. Addressing housing and health disparities requires a united effort to support the most vulnerable populations. The discussions underscored the importance of viewing housing as a fundamental component of health and the need for collaborative efforts to create healthier communities.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is proud to celebrate another member of our community finding a home on the Westside. Last month, Dr. Alix Pierre purchased a home in the English Avenue neighborhood. As a professor at Spelman College, Dr. Pierre meets WFF’s community retention guidelines for its signature high-quality, affordable housing program, Home on the Westside. HOTW prioritizes housing for those with live, work, and learn connections to the historic Westside.

Dr. Pierre is a senior lecturer and resident scholar with Spelman’s Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator. He first learned about HOTW’s homeownership program for mortgage-ready buyers during a 2023 information session hosted by WFF’s HOTW team on the college’s campus. He looked forward to purchasing a home in the historic Westside to be closer to the academic institution. Through WFF and our partners, Dr. Pierre qualified for $70,000 in down-payment assistance for his home.

Home on the Westside stands as Westside Future Fund’s flagship program, committed to three key service areas to empower residents and foster community stability. These service areas include providing homeownership opportunities for mortgage-ready buyers, ensuring quality multifamily rentals, and offering property tax assistance through our Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. Through initiatives like these, we strive to create pathways to economic stability and combat displacement in the neighborhoods we serve.

WFF’s mission to advance a compassionate approach to equitable revitalization is achieved through the support of our philanthropic partners. The organization has launched Our Next Chapter, a capital fundraising campaign to accelerate its ability to create affordable housing for legacy and future residents of the historic Westside and to restore these storied neighborhoods as part of the fabric of Atlanta. Become a part of Our Next Chapter.

In 2020, Westside Future Fund launched its Program Related Investments (PRIs). PRIs are low-cost loans made with favorable terms to support the growth of minority enterprises. WFF provided these PRIs to small, minority-owned businesses that are based in or serve Atlanta’s historic Westside. Unlike traditional banking institutions, PRIs offer a viable solution to organizations that are gaining traction and doing important work within the community.

WFF has launched a new series, “Empowering Entrepreneurs on the Westside,” featuring PRI recipients and highlighting their contributions to the historic Westside. In this installment, founder of Strive Transit, Auna Tyson highlights the work she and her company are doing to provide Westside residents with access to transportation.

One of the biggest barriers to equity is access to transportation. For many legacy residents on the Westside, owning a vehicle isn’t an option, and frequent ridesharing can be too costly. That’s why Auna Tyson started Strive Transit, a hyper-local, micro-transit shuttle service company for eight Westside neighborhoods seven days a week.

“Our sole goal is to pick up and drop off residents and visitors and take them to businesses on the Westside, including Midtown and the Peachtree Corridor. Our eco-friendly vehicles promote environmental sustainability while offering an alternative to MARTA, Uber, and Lyft,” says Auna.

Strive Transit was also the official transportation partner for WFF’s inaugural Ride for the Westside. Hundreds of participants joined WFF’s effort to raise awareness and fundings to support the equitable revitalization of historic Atlanta neighborhoods.

Building Community

Tyson first moved to the Westside in 2010, leaving her home in St. Louis for the first time. While making the leap halfway across the country was daunting, she immediately found herself at home on the Westside. 

As Auna reflects on her time on the Westside, she is proud of the community’s progress and hopeful for the future.

“When I think about the Westside, I think about growth,” says Auna. “These neighborhoods are about  building community, maintaining sustainability, and connecting with people who share similar interests and a mindset to help each other grow.”

Auna hopes Strive Transit will continue to grow thanks to funding from the WFF Program Related Investment (PRI) program.

According to Auna, “The PRI funding has opened doors we had no idea would be possible. We’ve secured contracts and additional vehicles to expand our business. We’re now in the room with other Westside businesses who utilize our services for some of their events and other ventures.”

WFF’s mission is to advance a compassionate approach to neighborhood revitalization. This mission requires a holistic investment into the communities we serve, including supporting local business owners. Our philanthropic partners make initiatives like WFF’s PRI program possible. 

Join us in supporting our work as we continue Our Next Chapter. 

Westside Future Fund celebrated the closing day for new Home on the Westside homeowner Sean Scott. Scott purchased a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the English Avenue neighborhood. This is the third closing WFF has celebrated through its signature program in 2024.

Scott is an Atlanta native and currently works as an IT professional with the Atlanta Falcons.  Given his ties to the community, Scott received $100,000 in down payment assistance from Westside Future Fund and its partners, including Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Housing.

“I’m an Atlanta native and would love to remain one,” said Scott.

Home on the Westside stands as Westside Future Fund’s flagship program, committed to three key service areas to empower residents and foster community stability. These service areas include providing homeownership opportunities for mortgage-ready buyers like Justin, ensuring quality multifamily rentals, and offering property tax assistance through our Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. Through initiatives like these, we strive to create pathways to economic stability and combat displacement in the neighborhoods we serve.

WFF’s mission to advance a compassionate approach to equitable revitalization is not a one-time effort. It’s an ongoing commitment that requires the support of our philanthropic partners. That’s why we’ve launched Our Next Chapter, a capital fundraising campaign to accelerate our ability to create affordable housing for legacy and future residents of the historic Westside. By restoring these storied neighborhoods, we’re weaving them back into the fabric of Atlanta. Join us in Our Next Chapter.

The May 17 Transform Westside Summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the balance between affordable and market-rate housing in creating vibrant, healthy and inclusive neighborhoods and highlighted the neighborhood revitalization efforts of the Grove Park Foundation. Candace Wheeler, Communications Manager, Westside Future Fund, and Ebony Ford, Director of Community Building & Engagement, Quest Community Development Corporation, opened the Summit with connection and community building, where attendees shared resources for the group’s collective efforts to improve the Westside. TJ Austin, Board Chair,  Grove Park Foundation, led the devotion. 

The panel, moderated by Gavin McGuire, Executive Director, Grove Park Foundation, featured Carmen Chubb, Principal & President, Columbia Residential; Robert “Robb” Jones, Managing Partner, Cityscape Housing; and Larry Stewart, Managing Director, E-StreetTeam, LLC.

Balancing Affordable and Market-Rate Housing

One of the key discussions revolved around the integration of affordable and market-rate housing within mixed-use developments. This approach is seen as crucial to fostering vibrant, economically diverse communities. The panelists shared their experiences and insights on how this balance can be achieved and the benefits it brings.

Carmen Chubb emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the perceptions associated with affordable and market-rate housing. She highlighted that affordable housing often includes a range of incomes and should not be perceived negatively. Chubb advocated for creating cohesive communities that accommodate various income levels, promoting inclusivity and support systems.

Robert Jones discussed the necessity of both affordable and market-rate housing to address the broader housing supply issue. He pointed out that mixed-income communities foster social cohesion and provide opportunities for homeownership across different income levels. Jones also mentioned the creative challenges developers face in today’s high-cost environment, which necessitates innovative housing solutions.

Larry Stewart called for dismantling the misconception that market-rate housing equates to luxury. He highlighted the need for a diverse housing stock that serves all income levels and fosters healthy neighborhoods. Stewart stressed that affordable housing should be seen as a stepping stone to homeownership and economic upliftment.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The panelists underscored the critical role of community engagement in the development process. Chubb shared her experiences growing up in a mixed-income neighborhood, emphasizing how diverse communities provide support and inspiration. She also noted the importance of respecting existing communities and involving them in the development process to ensure their needs and values are considered.

Jones echoed this sentiment, recounting his early experiences in community development and the essential role of community members in monitoring and safeguarding development projects. He stressed that developers must prioritize community engagement to build trust and ensure that projects meet the needs of both new and existing residents.

Stewart highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating housing development. He mentioned recent organizational changes at the Atlanta Housing Authority aimed at enhancing their capacity to support more housing projects through collaboration with private developers.

Moving Forward

The Summit concluded with a recognition that the conversation around housing diversity is just beginning. As McGuire noted, the Summit served as a platform to start addressing these complex issues, with plans for ongoing dialogue and engagement with the community.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

In 2020, Westside Future Fund launched its Program Related Investments PRIs. PRIs are low-cost loans made with favorable terms to support the growth of minority enterprises. WFF provided these PRIs to small, minority-owned businesses that are based in or serving Atlanta’s historic Westside. Unlike traditional banking institutions, PRIs offer a viable solution to organizations that are gaining traction and doing important work within the community.

WFF has launched a new series “Empowering Entrepreneurs on the Westside” featuring PRI recipients and highlighting their contributions to the historic Westside. In this installment, Rejoice Jones, founder of Vower, Inc. highlights the work she and her company are doing to advance the careers of local Westside residents. 

One of the first steps toward securing a promising future is launching a career, and this can be a daunting task for many young folks who are just starting out. That’s why Westside resident Rejoice Jones founded Vower, Inc.

“Vower connects Black and Brown people with non-traditional employers like sole proprietors or companies with limited funding. We specifically support 16- to 30-year-olds, entry-level workers in high school and college or others who just want to find a job and build their resume,” said Jones.

Jones is a native of Michigan and Emory University graduate. She has a decade of ventures on her resume as an entrepreneur along with experience in building strategic partnerships and organizing public/private initiatives for community focused organizations.

The mission of Vower, making the connection to employers easier for young people, has been a game changer – especially for the historic Westside community. It’s one of the reasons why Westside Future Fund (WFF) named Vower a recipient of the Program Related Investments (PRI) program – to amplify the work the company is doing to make a difference for young people who are finding their way. 

“The PRI program has provided gap funding that is getting us from point A to point B,” said Rejoice. 

Networking Works

Networking is one way small business owners like Rejoice are making connections to keep doing impactful work on the Westside. She started building her network by attending weekly Transform Westside Summit events hosted by WFF at The Gathering Spot before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Rejoice reflects on how she made her first few business deals thanks to networking at WFF events: “When I first started Vower, I went to the Westside Future Fund Summit event every Friday and it was standing room only,” said Jones. “Being persistent at those meetings catapulted me into building a network in our community.”

Today, Vower, Inc, has partners, customers and course creators that include Google, Microsoft and Atlanta Public Schools. The company provides course education in social media and marketing, operations, customer service and events. 

WFF’s mission is to advance a compassionate approach to neighborhood revitalization. This mission requires a holistic investment into the communities we serve including supporting local business owners. Our philanthropic partners make initiatives like WFF’s PRI program possible. 

Join us in supporting our work as we continue Our Next Chapter. 

Earlier this month, nearly 300 volunteers from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE / NYSE), Warrick Dunn Charities, and WD Communities came together to help transform the Westside in honor of National Volunteer Month. The event was the first-ever corridor volunteer activation in the history of the Westside Future Fund (WFF) Volunteer Corps. The WFF Volunteer Corps is critical to the organization’s mission in the historic Westside, bringing together people from across Atlanta to unite toward a shared vision in helping develop a community that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be proud to call home.

“I look around this amazing community today and see how bright it is, I see happy people walking the streets. It’s a miracle to see how it has transformed over the past 10 years,” said Jeff Sprecher, founder and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange, during remarks at the volunteer event. “You can tell the potential that this side of town has and I’m thrilled that we’ve had the opportunity to be involved with it.”

Volunteers were hard at work planting trees, cleaning up the community, assembling hygiene kits and little libraries, and maintaining local historic gardens along the historic Westside’s James P. Brawley Corridor. Volunteers also had the opportunity to help repair the home of Mrs. Thelma Reneau, a local senior, legacy Westside resident, and Anti-Displacement Tax Fund recipient.

“English Avenue is the best place in the world to live. Because of the different groups that have come in the neighborhood, we have improved so much,” said Mrs. Reneau. “[The volunteers] came and planted some flowers for me and painted my kitchen, so my house is looking like all of these beautiful new houses [that WFF is building]. Thank you so much.”

Named after the former president of Clark College, James P. Brawley Drive is the main corridor crossing through the heart of English Avenue. However, the thoroughfare fell into decline over the last several decades due to systemic disinvestment. Recognizing the critical importance of this area, WFF, along with other partners, is diligently working to develop high-quality, affordable housing and retail space along the corridor. On the corridor between Donald Lee Howell and Joseph E. Boone, WFF is currently redeveloping over 30 properties.

“Our very first corporate investor was ICE. Much of the new construction here in English Avenue was enabled by a corporate-backed impact fund that Jeff Sprecher was the brainchild of putting together,” said John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund. “Nine other Atlanta corporations along with ICE have enabled us to buy up a lot of vacant, dilapidated, blighted land and redevelop it affordably so that people from the community or with a connection are prioritized for housing.”

This event was a testament to the power and impact of uniting corporate and philanthropic partners in pursuit of enhancing the lives of the historic Westside community. ICE has been a key investor for WFF in the organization’s mission to advance a compassionate approach to equitable neighborhood revitalization, including WFF’s Impact Fund and annual fundraiser Ride for the Westside. Warrick Dunn Charities and WD Communities have been integral in promoting outreach and awareness of programming and support resources for residents.

“Today, we accomplished helping individuals get started on that path to a balanced, good life,” said Warrick Dunn, Founder of Warrick Dunn Charities and WD Communities. “I’m thankful to be here and be a part of this relationship. We’re hoping this is something we can continue to move forward and impact the community in a way that is life-changing.”

Interested in volunteering with us and making a difference for historic Westside residents? Learn more and view upcoming volunteer opportunities at https://volunteer.westsidefuturefund.org/

Westside residents, community members, and business leaders convened for the April 19 Transform Westside Summit to hear about the progress and impact Atlanta BeltLine has had on the historic Westside community, including their multifaceted approach in promoting equitable development, fostering community engagement, and transforming urban landscapes for the benefit of all residents.

James Tomlin, English Avenue resident, led the devotion. John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Tameka Askew, Westside Future Fund’s Home on the Westside Manager Westside Future Fund led the discussion.

Leadership from both Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI), which oversees the planning, developing and execution of the Atlanta BeltLine project, and Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP), the fundraising, programming and advocacy arm, participated in the discussion. Panelists included:

• Rob Brawner, Executive Director, Atlanta BeltLine Partnership
• Kevin Burke, Director of Design, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
• Dennis Richards, Vice President, Housing Policy & Development, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.

Key Highlights from the Conversation

Historic Impact

Atlanta BeltLine’s transformative impact on the City has been particularly significant for Westside residents. 

Community-Oriented Development

Panelists highlighted the BeltLine’s focus on community-driven development, with an emphasis on affordable housing, job creation and commercial opportunities tailored to Westside residents’ needs. Through extensive dialogue with residents and stakeholders, the BeltLine aims to address community needs and preferences while fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the project.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

The BeltLine’s commitment to affordable housing production and strategic land acquisition directly benefits Westside residents. Gap financing and partnerships with organizations like City of Refuge aim to provide housing options that cater to a wide range of incomes.

Land Ownership and Development Projects

Ownership of significant land assemblies on the Westside, along with planned mixed-use development projects like Murphy Crossing and Chapel Road, promise to bring much-needed housing, commercial spaces, and amenities to the community.

Equity and Inclusion

The BeltLine’s commitment to equity and inclusion extends to its business practices, with a focus on minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged business participation. Programs supporting local entrepreneurship and small businesses ensure that economic benefits are accessible to all members of the community. Intentional community engagement and design considerations, such as ADA compliance and accessibility, are integral to fostering inclusive spaces along the BeltLine.

Catalytic Development

The completion of the Atlanta BeltLine promises to be a catalyst for significant development opportunities, particularly on the Westside. Panelists emphasized the potential for increased density, commercial growth, and job creation, echoing the success seen on the BeltLine’s eastside. By engaging with community stakeholders and preserving the legacy of long-term residents, the BeltLine aims to create a vibrant and inclusive Westside community for generations to come.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of Justin Jones’ home closing through Westside Future Fund’s Home on the Westside program. Justin embodies the spirit of community retention as both an alumnus and current employee of Morehouse College, residing right here on Atlanta’s Westside. With the support of Westside Future Fund and our partners, including Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Housing, Justin received $115,000 in down payment assistance to make his dream of homeownership a reality.

Home on the Westside stands as Westside Future Fund’s flagship program, committed to three key service areas aimed at empowering residents and fostering community stability. These service areas include providing homeownership opportunities for mortgage-ready buyers like Justin, ensuring quality multifamily rentals, and offering property tax assistance through our Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. Through initiatives like these, we strive to create pathways to economic stability and combat displacement in the neighborhoods we serve.

Jones’ journey to homeownership not only represents a personal milestone but also underscores the impact of collaborative efforts between Westside Future Fund and our partners in creating lasting positive change within our community.

This is my first home,” said Jones. “I have been planning to find an affordable home in Atlanta that I can raise a family in one day. Given the current housing market it started to seem impossible, but thankfully Westside Future Fund was able to step in the gap to help me make a lifelong investment in my future.”

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Justin and look forward to supporting more individuals like him on their path to achieving their homeownership dreams through Home on the Westside.

WFF’s mission to advance a compassionate approach to equitable revitalization is achieved through the support of our philanthropic partners. The organization has launched Our Next Chapter, a capital fundraising campaign to accelerate its ability to create affordable housing for legacy and future residents of the historic Westside and to restore these storied neighborhoods as part of the fabric of Atlanta. Become a part of Our Next Chapter.

Atlanta’s Historic Westside is a beacon of activism, where courageous Black leaders from the late 19th century through the Civil Rights Movement and up to the present day have tirelessly championed change and justice. Despite facing severe adversities, including violence, these leaders have significantly influenced not only the neighborhoods of the Westside but also the broader landscapes of Atlanta and the nation. Their steadfast dedication to building a community where equity and justice are paramount serves as an enduring model for current and future social justice initiatives. This vision of unity and equality is what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to as the “Beloved Community.”

At the Westside Future Fund (WFF), we are deeply inspired and instructed by this legacy as we strive for the equitable restoration of these neighborhoods. In my role as President and CEO of WFF, and as a resident of Vine City, I have had the honor of collaborating with community leaders who are pivotal in revitalizing and enriching this cultural legacy. Three I want to note today are Carrie Salvary, Rosario Hernandez, and Annie Moore.

Championed by Carrie, Rosario, and Annie, are four relatively new greenspaces in the community: Kathryn Johnston Memorial Park, Rodney Cook Sr. Park, Mattie Freeland Park, and Lindsay Street Park. These recent additions to Atlanta’s Westside are vital for ongoing development, community engagement, and serve as crucial green infrastructure for stormwater management and environmental sustainability. Complementing these parks, Historic Westside Gardens has developed two community gardens, further enhancing the neighborhood’s commitment to green space and sustainability. These new greenspaces are integral to collective revitalization efforts.

Growing up on Atlanta’s Eastside and later living in Decatur, I took the greenspaces in the community for granted.  It wasn’t until I relocated to Vine City, immersing myself in the work of the Westside Future Fund (WFF), that I fully grasped the profound impact of systemic inequity and disinvestment on Black communities in Atlanta’s Westside, including in terms of greenspace accessibility.

I had the honor of being in conversation with these women at the recent 35th annual Parks and Greenspace Conference. The theme of this year’s Park Pride conference, ‘Parks for All: Intention to Action,’ resonated deeply with me. During the event, as I engaged with Carrie, Rosario and Annie, we delved into the significance of their intentional actions in cultivating Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. This was particularly poignant, considering the historic neighborhoods served by WFF were once home to nearly 50,000 residents in the 1950s and 60s.  These neighborhoods were a thriving community and were integral in uniting Black residents from diverse backgrounds.

Today, WFF, along with community leaders like Annie, Carrie, and Rosario, is dedicated to reweaving this community tapestry, striving to instill a renewed vibrancy that pays homage to the long lineage of leaders who once called these neighborhoods home. Our strategic focus on land acquisition near greenspaces underscores our commitment to these areas as invaluable community assets.  Sitting next to Carrie, Rosario and Annie, I was inspired by our community’s united efforts to elevate these parks as beacons of progress and symbols of hope. These greenspaces stand as testaments to our collective resilience and determination to forge a brighter, more inclusive future for Atlanta’s historic Westside.