Celebrating the Launch of the 970 Jefferson Website: A Milestone in Collaborative Community Impact

Earlier this month, the partnership of organizations housed at 970 Jefferson took a significant step forward in their collective mission to serve Atlanta’s Westside with the launch of a dedicated website, 970Jefferson.org. This online platform not only highlights the vital work being done within the walls of the warehouse facility but also serves as a beacon of the collaborative spirit that drives the mission of the partner organizations.

The Evolution of a Partnership

The story of 970 Jefferson is one of evolution and deep commitment to community impact. In 2019, Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund (WFF) joined forces to purchase and rejuvenate 970 Jefferson St. NW, the historical site of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. What began as a shared vision to restore this important space has since blossomed into a thriving hub for community-focused work.

Today, 19 nonprofits and local enterprises operate from this revitalized space, collectively contributing to the betterment of the Westside community and beyond. The diversity of organizations housed at 970 Jefferson embodies the shared vision that inspired the partnership, with each entity bringing unique expertise and resources to address a broad range of community needs, from affordable housing and economic development to health and education.

The Importance of Collaboration

Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund continue to collaborate closely on managing the facility, with Food Well Alliance taking the lead on overseeing the warehouse and upstairs space, and Westside Future Fund maintaining the rest of the building. This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together with a common purpose.

The launch of the 970 Jefferson website marks a new chapter in this journey. It provides a platform for the public to learn more about each partner organization, their missions, and the collective impact they are making. It also underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling complex community challenges.

Looking Ahead

As the 970 Jefferson partnership continues to evolve, the new website will be a crucial tool in engaging with the broader community, attracting new partners, and sharing success stories. It will also provide transparency and accessibility, allowing community members and stakeholders to stay informed about ongoing projects and initiatives.

Westside Future Fund is proud to be a part of this transformative partnership and looks forward to the continued growth and success of 970 Jefferson. The launch of 970Jefferson.org is not just a milestone; it is a reflection of the enduring commitment to community collaboration and the belief that, together, we can build a brighter future for Atlanta.

August Summit Recap: Restoring Our Neighborhoods: Unpacking Atlanta’s Blight Remediation Strategy

Community members and business leaders gathered at the August 16 Transform Westside Summit to hear from Josh Humphries, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ Senior Policy Advisor for Housing.

John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Ebony Ford, legacy resident and community advocate of English Avenue, welcomed new and returning attendees and Monnica Taylor, Home on the Westside participant, led the devotion. 

Key Moments from the Discussion:

  • Blight and Vacant Properties: John Ahmann opened the discussion by highlighting the persistent issue of vacant properties owned by absentee or predatory owners, often left neglected and hazardous. The presence of these properties can harm neighborhoods, and residents are calling for effective strategies to address this issue.
  • Introduction to the Blight Tax: Josh Humphries explained the recently approved blight tax by the Atlanta City Council. This tax imposes a property tax rate up to 25 times higher than the average for owners of blighted, unoccupied properties. This approach aims to discourage absentee owners and corporations from leaving properties vacant and dilapidated, and it ensures that seniors and other residents struggling to maintain their homes are safeguarded.
  • Strategy and Implementation: Humphries emphasized a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to addressing blight. The City is expanding its toolbox, introducing new measures like the blight tax to effectively target properties that detract from the quality of neighborhoods. The aim is to shift the burden of improvement onto those who profit from holding these properties without making necessary repairs.
  • Community Engagement and Support: For homeowners struggling with repairs, Humphries reassured attendees that the City is committed to offering support, including financial assistance and legal aid for estate planning and property title issues. The newly launched Housing Help Center is designed to connect residents with these resources, ensuring those who wish to stay in and improve their homes have the necessary support.
  • Demolition and Beyond: While demolition of dangerous, blighted properties is an important tool, Humphries noted that it is not the end goal. The City’s priority is to restore these properties to productive use, whether through rehabilitation or new construction. The ultimate goal is to increase access to quality housing and create safe, amenity-rich neighborhoods for all residents.
  • Case Studies and Future Plans: Humphries cited examples, including Forest Cove, where the City intervened to relocate residents living in substandard conditions and is now redeveloping the area to provide new housing opportunities. The City’s broader initiative, Safe and Secure Housing, aims to hold landlords accountable for maintaining livable conditions, ensuring that all Atlanta residents have access to safe and quality housing.

The Summit concluded with a call to action for community members to report blighted properties and get involved in efforts to revitalize their neighborhoods. By working together, the city, community organizations, and residents can transform Atlanta’s neighborhoods into vibrant, thriving places to live.

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

Environmental Excellence: Rosario Hernandez, Founder of Historic Westside Gardens, Recognized by EPA through Prestigious Award

On a day that will be remembered as a milestone in the journey toward environmental justice, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials visited Atlanta’s Westside to honor a local community leader who has been instrumental in the ongoing cleanup of one of the most toxic sites in the country. The Westside Lead Superfund site, encompassing nearly 2,100 properties west of downtown Atlanta, is at the center of a massive effort to remediate soil contaminated with dangerously high levels of lead.

Rosario Hernandez, a dedicated resident of English Avenue and the founder of Historic Westside Gardens and longtime community partner of Westside Future Fund, was awarded the Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award by the EPA. This prestigious national award is presented to only one individual in the country each year, recognizing them for their commitment to working closely with the EPA to tackle hazardous waste issues. Hernandez’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of her community made her a standout recipient.

The story of the Westside Lead Superfund site began in 2018, when Emory professor Eri Saikawa and her students discovered alarming levels of lead in the soil of several neighborhoods on Atlanta’s Westside. Lead, a potent neurotoxin, poses severe health risks, particularly to children, and can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. The contamination likely stems from slag – a toxic byproduct of metal foundries that once dotted the Westside – which was historically used to fill low-lying areas.

Hernandez was among the first residents to have her soil tested, revealing hazardous levels of lead. This discovery was not just a wake-up call for her, but also the beginning of her deep involvement in the cleanup process. Hernandez became a vital link between the EPA and the community, working tirelessly to build trust and encourage residents to allow testing on their properties. 

Through perseverance and a commitment to her neighbors, Hernandez helped the EPA test around 1,400 properties and fully remediate 300 of them.

In 2022, the importance of the cleanup efforts was underscored when the Westside Lead site was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List. This designation is reserved for locations that pose serious health threats and require long-term remediation efforts. The project received another boost last year when the EPA announced that the Westside Lead site would benefit from a portion of the $1 billion allocated to Superfund remediation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Despite the progress, the cleanup is far from complete. The EPA estimates that it will take until the end of the decade or longer to remove and replace all the contaminated soil across the site. The recognition of Rosario Hernandez’s leadership serves as a powerful reminder that community involvement is crucial in the fight for environmental justice. Her story is one of resilience, advocacy, and hope – a beacon guiding the Westside toward a healthier future.

As Westside Future Fund continues its mission to revitalize and restore the historic Westside, we are inspired by leaders like Rosario Hernandez, who embody the spirit of community and collaboration. The journey may be long, but together, we are making strides toward a safer, healthier, and more vibrant Westside – a community that Dr. King would be proud to call home.

July Summit Recap: City of Atlanta’s Work on the Westside

Westside residents, community members, and business leaders attended the July 19 Transform Westside Summit to hear from Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, where he highlighted the City of Atlanta’s work on the Westside, his deep-rooted connection to the area and his ongoing commitment to addressing long-standing issues through his role in the Mayor’s office.

John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Ebony Ford, Director of Community Building & Engagement, Quest Community Development Corporation, welcomed new and returning attendees and Shawn Watwood, Senior Manager for Partnership and Sales, Home Depot Backyard, led the devotion. 

Background and Personal Connection
English shared his personal story, growing up in Atlanta, attending and teaching in Atlanta Public Schools (APS), and his deep ties to the Westside. He recounted the challenges his family faced, having to use the “address hustle,” utilizing an address outside of where you live to be eligible to attend schools beyond your district, to access better educational opportunities, which shaped his commitment to creating equitable conditions for all Atlantans. His experiences as a student and teacher in APS, particularly the story of a student named Deshun, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive support systems in education, housing and economic mobility.

City of Atlanta’s Strategic Focus
English outlined his responsibilities as the Chief Policy Officer, highlighting the office’s role in addressing systemic issues, including income inequality, affordable housing, and youth development. The Mayor’s initiative to transform neighborhoods through targeted efforts was detailed, with a focus on seven key neighborhoods, including English Avenue and Vine City. English emphasized the intentional and collaborative approach required to rectify the historic inequities designed into Atlanta’s infrastructure and policies.

Neighborhood Initiatives and Housing Focus
The Summit highlighted the critical role of neighborhoods as units of change. English detailed the Mayor’s neighborhood initiative, which aims to create healthy, whole communities by integrating affordable housing, high-quality education, transit options and grocery stores. The initiative draws inspiration from the Westside Future Fund’s model, aiming to provide long-overdue amenities and opportunities to underserved neighborhoods.

Affordable Housing and Collaborative Efforts
English discussed the City’s ambitious affordable housing goals, including the creation or preservation of 20,000 units over eight years. With 5,000 units already delivered and another 5,000 in the pipeline, the City is actively working to accelerate housing development. English highlighted the formation of the Affordable Housing Strike Force, a collaborative effort involving various public and private partners to streamline housing projects. The City’s use of publicly owned land, including a significant project to convert the 42-story Two Peachtree Street office building into residential units, was also showcased.

Philosophy of Collaboration
English reiterated the Mayor’s belief that “Atlanta is a group project,” stressing the importance of partnerships with public agencies, private developers, nonprofits and philanthropists. The City’s Housing Help Center, which provides comprehensive support for housing-related issues, exemplifies this collaborative approach. English invited all stakeholders to engage with the city to help achieve the shared goal of making Atlanta a better place for everyone.

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

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks a Milestone for Affordable Housing at 646 Echo Street

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is excited to celebrate a significant achievement with the groundbreaking of its latest affordable multifamily housing development at 646 Echo Street. This event marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s ongoing mission to revitalize and restore the historic Westside.

The 646 Echo Street development represents a significant milestone in WFF’s next chapter, addressing the urgent need for high-quality, affordable housing in the area. This project will feature two three-story buildings, totaling 24 residential units. Among these units, two will be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all community members. The development’s strategic location, just 1.5 blocks from the Westside Beltline Connector Trail, enhances its appeal by providing easy access to both recreational and commercial amenities.

As a place-based nonprofit, WFF is committed to restoring and preserving the cultural and historical essence of the Westside, ensuring it remains a place where all residents can thrive. This development is a continuation of WFF’s broader strategy, which includes the Westside Land Use Framework Plan—unanimously adopted by the Atlanta City Council in 2017.

The project is a testament to WFF’s commitment to not only enhancing housing options but also fostering community development. It aligns with the organization’s mission to provide quality affordable housing while supporting legacy residents who have long-standing ties to the area. This approach is central to WFF’s Home on the Westside program, which prioritizes residents with essential connections (live, work and learn) to the neighborhood. 

646 Echo Street is designed to cater to various income levels: 20% of the units will be available at 30% Area Median Income (AMI), 30% at 60% AMI, and 50% at 80% AMI. This distribution ensures that a broad spectrum of residents will benefit from the new housing options. The projected completion date for the development is September 2025.

This project is generously funded by key philanthropic partners, including Invest Atlanta and the WFF Impact Fund. Additionally, development partners Kronberg Urbanists + Architects and oaksATL are contributing their expertise to bring this transformative project to fruition. 

The groundbreaking at 646 Echo Street is not just about constructing buildings; it represents a broader vision for community revitalization. WFF’s efforts are part of a larger campaign, “Our Next Chapter,” which aims to raise $55 million to support various neighborhood revitalization initiatives. The organization is halfway to this ambitious goal, thanks to the support of numerous contributors.

Consider partnering with WFF for Our Next Chapter

Celebrating 100 Years: Westside Future Fund’s Volunteer Event at Booker T. Washington High School

The historic Westside of Atlanta recently witnessed an inspiring collaboration between the Westside Future Fund (WFF) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), as over 400 volunteers gathered to celebrate and give back to Booker T. Washington High School. This volunteer event was not only a testament to community spirit but also a tribute to the school’s 100th anniversary.

A Day of Impact

Booker T. Washington High School, an institution that has been central to the community and an alma mater to notable leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., received a comprehensive makeover thanks to the dedication and hard work of BCG volunteers as part of the WFF Volunteer Corps. The volunteers undertook a variety of tasks aimed at beautifying the school and its surroundings, reflecting a deep sense of commitment to the school’s legacy and the community’s future.

“It’s important to be here today to serve the historic Westside and Booker T. Washington High School,” said Bella, a BCG volunteer. “We’re here today to help get the school ready for students for the 2024 school year, helping to refresh the learning atmosphere and give back to this important community.” 

The event saw volunteers engaging in numerous activities, including:

  • Landscaping: The team worked tirelessly, spreading mulch and pinestraw to enhance the green spaces around the school.
  • Garden Cleanup: Volunteers rejuvenated the school garden, ensuring it remains a vibrant and educational space for students.
  • Artistic Contributions: Creative volunteers painted murals, adding colorful and inspiring artwork to the campus.
  • Maintenance: Several groups focused on painting walls and doors in the hallways, bringing a fresh look to the school’s interiors.
  • Community Engagement: Expanding community engagement for school sports events by adding seating to athletic fields.

“I can’t say enough how important it is for us to come out and serve the community here on the Westside,” said Anthony, a BCG volunteer. “I know that when these kids come back to school, they’ll be coming back smiling to freshly painted halls, beautiful murals, and more. It touches my heart.” 

Honoring a Legacy

The significance of this event extended beyond the physical improvements made to the school. It was a celebration of Booker T. Washington High School’s centennial, highlighting its historical importance and enduring influence. As a school that has shaped the lives of countless students, including civil rights leaders, this event served as a reminder of the school’s rich heritage and the continuous support it receives from the community.

Community Collaboration

The success of this event underscores the power of collaboration. The partnership between WFF and BCG exemplifies how corporate entities can contribute positively to local communities. By dedicating time and resources, the WFF Volunteer Corps activation not only improved the physical environment of the school but also demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

“These service projects are critical to our work at Westside Future Fund, because they are at the core of our service to the community,” said John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund. “ They also give us the opportunity to bring more people to the historic Westside to learn about its history, and hopefully inspire others to become invested, with your time or treasure, in its future.  We’re grateful to the Boston Consulting Group for partnering with us on this day of service. Having over 400 employees for the event speaks volumes about their commitment to making a difference.”

Looking Ahead

As Booker T. Washington High School embarks on its next century, the efforts of the WFF Volunteer Corps have left a lasting impact. The beautification of the school is a gift to the current and future students, providing them with an enhanced learning environment. This event stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when communities and organizations unite for a common cause.

Westside Future Fund continues to champion initiatives that support the historic Westside, striving to revitalize and transform the community into one that Dr. King would be proud to call home. As we enter Our Next Chapter as a community, we invite you to join our mission. Find out how you can get involved today.

Finding Home on the Westside: The Story of Nedra Louis

In the latest installment of our Finding Home on the Westside series, meet Nedra Louis.

Nedra has been a resident of the Westside her entire life, living on Ashby Terrace for 20 years. Several years ago, she experienced health challenges, including being diagnosed with COPD, a chronic inflammatory lung disease. Due to being hospitalized and a loss of income, Nedra faced housing insecurity. 

“Nothing came in time for me to keep put, I had to bounce from one end to the other. I needed somewhere to stay, and that’s how I ended up back on the Westside,” said Louis. “I was so glad when this came available.”

Westside Future Fund’s (WFF) Home on the Westside program prioritizes people with live, work, and learn connections to the historic Westside. Today, Nedra lives in a new high-quality affordable housing apartment along James P. Brawley Drive.

356 James P. Brawley is one of three multifamily properties WFF opened last year in the English Avenue neighborhood. The 21 new high-quality affordable housing units are in addition to WFF’s existing portfolio of 181 units and represent over $30 million worth of investment in multifamily projects completed, and underway.

Each newly opened multifamily property is a fully rehabbed existing building. These sites, once blighted and vacant, have been carefully renovated to preserve the historic character of the community rather than being torn down. The apartments are available to residents earning 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) or less, and all projects include Homeflex project-based rental assistance from Atlanta Housing.

WFF is currently developing an additional 104 high-quality, affordable housing units, in both new construction projects and substantial project rehabs, throughout its service footprint.

WFF is grateful for all of our philanthropic partners who make it possible for residents like Nedra to remain in the community they love. 

“The Westside is the best side,” said Louis. 

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 today.

Celebrating National Homeownership Month with Westside Future Fund

As we commemorate National Homeownership Month, Westside Future Fund (WFF) takes pride in celebrating the strides we’ve made in transforming lives and communities through our Home on the Westside (HOTW) program. Last year, we  celebrated significant milestones that underscore our commitment to providing high-quality housing and financial stability to residents with deep ties to the historic Westside neighborhoods.

Progress and Achievements

WFF’s Home on the Westside (HOTW) program has connected numerous residents with essential resources for renting, buying, or retaining homes within our service footprint. The program’s success is evident in the availability of new single-family and multifamily properties, offering residents more housing options that meet their needs.

A standout achievement is the impact of the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund (ADTF), which provided critical support to over 130 longtime residents since its creation. By offsetting the rising property taxes, ADTF has enabled these residents to continue living in their homes without the financial burden of increased taxes, ensuring stability and continuity in our community.

New Developments and Renovations

Three new multifamily developments in the English Avenue area introduced 21 high-quality one- and two-bedroom units in 2023. These developments reflect our dedication to creating affordable and attractive housing options for legacy residents that enhance the neighborhood’s appeal and vibrancy. Each of these properties are designed with high-quality materials and appliances. 

WFF is also proud to have celebrated 10 home closings with new homeowners who have live, work, or learn connections to the Westside neighborhoods with an average of $42,188 in downpayment assistance. These new homeowners represent the heart of our mission – to support those with established ties to the community in finding a place to call home.

Spotlight on Homeowners

We are thrilled to share the stories of two remarkable individuals who achieved significant milestones as new homeowners. Broderick Thompson-Smith and Colette Haywood marked “firsts” for our organization, embodying the success and impact of the Home on the Westside program.

Broderick Thompson-Smith, with his unwavering dedication to his community, is the first WFF multi-family renter to transition to a HOTW homeowner, finding a place where he can continue his journey with a sense of ownership and pride. Colette Haywood, another trailblazer as the first legacy resident of Vine City to close on a HOTW home in the neighborhood, has secured a home that not only provides stability for her family but also represents a beacon of hope for others in the community.

Moving Toward a Mixed-Income Community

WFF’s flagship program Home on the Westside is designed to support those with live, work, or learn connections in staying rooted in the Westside with high-quality affordable housing and financial relief from rising property taxes – empowering legacy residents to continue calling these Westside neighborhoods home.

These efforts are steering the Westside toward becoming a more equitable mixed-income community. As we celebrate National Homeownership Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive, and resilient Westside for all residents.

Join us in celebrating these accomplishments and the stories of resilience and hope that define the Westside. Together, we are building a brighter future, one home at a time.

Learn more about Home on the Westside today at https://www.westsidefuturefund.org/homeonthewestside/ 

June Summit Recap: Housing is Health

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 Celebrates Spelman College Professor Purchasing A Home In English Avenue

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.