The October 18 Transform Westside Summit brought together a diverse group of attendees—business and faith leaders, community members and Westside residents—all committed to the shared mission of strengthening the Westside through meaningful service and support. John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and  Ebony Ford, a proud resident of English Avenue, welcomed attendees and Dr. Alix Pierre, a Senior Lecturer at Spelman College and homeowner through the Home on the Westside program, led the devotion.

The event featured a panel discussion, moderated by John Ahmann. Panelists included Reverend Kenneth Alexander, Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church North, and Reverend Terry Hightower, Executive Director of Antioch Urban Ministries. The discussion highlighted the longstanding commitment of Antioch Baptist Church North and Antioch Urban Ministries in supporting Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods through faith-driven services, emphasizing their missions to assist and uplift underserved community members.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

Faith as a Catalyst for Community Empowerment

Speakers highlighted how faith, when translated into action, becomes a powerful force for positive change. By focusing on service, they strive to uplift individuals and communities alike, embodying a faith-driven commitment to support one another.

Collaboration and Building Sustainable Support Networks

Both leaders stressed the importance of collaborating with other community organizations and stakeholders, which enables them to provide holistic support and address complex community challenges. Effective community support relies on sustainable, adaptable systems that can meet changing needs. The panelists shared frameworks for establishing and growing support networks that last, fostering resilience and unity in the face of challenges.

Commitment to Long-Term Solutions

The Summit reinforced the idea that faith, when combined with action, can help communities build resilience, offering support and resources that promote unity and hope for the future. Through a range of programs, Antioch Baptist Church North and Antioch Urban Ministries focus on sustainable impact, including homelessness support, addiction recovery and youth programs, all aimed at fostering long-term empowerment.

The Ripple Effect of Small Actions
From volunteers to community leaders, each person’s effort contributes to a larger impact. Small, intentional acts of service can create a ripple effect, inspiring others and building stronger networks of support and care. Attendees were challenged to carry the day’s lessons forward and commit to acts of service in their own communities. 

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

In 2019, Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund partnered to purchase and revitalize 970 Jefferson St. NW, the historic site of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Bill Bolling and John Ahmann played pivotal roles in making this acquisition a reality, turning a shared vision into a success. The two organizations collaborate on managing the facility, with Food Well Alliance overseeing the warehouse and upstairs space, while Westside Future Fund is responsible for maintaining the rest of the building.

Today, 19 nonprofits and local enterprises utilize 970 Jefferson, operating from this revitalized space to collectively contribute to the betterment of the Westside community and beyond, embodying the shared vision that inspired the partnership. We’ve launched a new series, the 970 Partner Spotlight, to highlight each of these incredible organizations and their work. One of these integral partners is Food Well Alliance, a nonprofit focused on empowering local growers and building healthy food systems.

A Mission Rooted in Local Food and Community

Healthy food is the foundation of healthy communities, and Food Well Alliance understands this deeply. The organization is dedicated to empowering growers at urban farms, community gardens and orchards across metro Atlanta by providing essential resources and support to help them thrive, according to Kate Conner, the organization’s executive director. 

“We’re all about getting as much locally grown food out to communities as possible,” said Conner.

This mission is realized through their support of over 300 growing spaces since 2015, including local farms, community gardens, and orchards. 

“We serve five counties—Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Clayton—and we provide everything from compost delivery to small grants,” said Conner.

Food Well Alliance’s efforts are also deeply hands-on, offering labor support to help build greenhouses, repair garden beds, and more. Last year alone, they provided nearly $900,000 in direct support to growing spaces, contributing to their mission of connecting communities through food.

A Growing Impact

Since its founding in 2015, Food Well Alliance has invested over $7 million in the local food movement. This support has resulted in the planting of over 90 orchards and countless gardens across Metro Atlanta. One of the most exciting projects on the horizon is their Orchard Project, which aims to plant 15 orchards per year. This initiative, in partnership with organizations like The Giving Grove and the Atlanta Regional Commission, ensures that fresh, locally grown fruit will be available for generations to come.

Conner shared that West Atlanta, particularly the Westside, is a significant focus for the organization.

“West Atlanta has one of the highest densities of community gardens and urban farms,” said Conner.

This area has become an anchor for the urban farming movement in the city, with a rich history of communities making the most of available space to grow food and foster connection.

Collaboration at 970 Jefferson

Food Well Alliance’s partnership within the 970 Jefferson building has been pivotal. Located in a space formerly occupied by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the building has a long history of serving the community. 

“When we launched 970, the commitment was to bring together organizations that were doing important work in the community, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” said Conner.

Being part of a shared hub of like-minded nonprofits has allowed for invaluable collaboration. 

“We share everything from tools and equipment to ideas and resources,” said Conner.

The organization often collaborates with partners like Urban Recipe, another nonprofit based at 970 Jefferson, to ensure fresh produce reaches families in need. The proximity of organizations working toward common goals has made the space a hub of innovation and impact in the community.

For Food Well Alliance, being part of 970 Jefferson is more than just sharing a workspace—it’s about fostering connections that amplify each organization’s ability to serve.

“It’s the natural overlaps and conversations, sometimes while making a cup of coffee, that lead to greater efficiencies and strategic collaborations,” said Conner. 

Looking Ahead

Food Well Alliance has some exciting projects on the horizon, with Conner highlighting the importance of continuing to grow the Orchard Project and expand their City Agriculture Planning Program, which helps cities develop comprehensive plans for urban agriculture. This program connects metro Atlanta municipalities with growers, residents, and leaders in their communities. Each year a new city is selected to partner with Food Well and the Atlanta Regional Commission to develop a plan. Food Well provides a $75,000 grant for implementation, ensuring that cities can launch initiatives like community composting and expanded farmers markets. Food Well has developed plans in four cities: East Point, Alpharetta, Jonesboro, and Austell. Applications for the fifth city will be accepted through November 22. The new city partner will be announced in January. Learn more at https://www.foodwellalliance.org/city-agriculture-planning.

As Food Well Alliance continues to plant seeds across Atlanta, their commitment to creating healthy, connected communities remains steadfast. Their work at 970 Jefferson is a powerful example of how collaboration and shared resources can drive meaningful change.

Learn more about how 970 Jefferson is bringing together a collaborative community of service at 970Jefferson.org 

This year’s Ride for the Westside brought together 435 participants, all moving with purpose for a brighter future for the historic Westside. Hosted by the Westside Future Fund (WFF) and Quest Community Development Corporation (Quest CDC), the event offered something for everyone, featuring an 11-mile bike ride, a 5K race, and a walking tour of the historic Westside. With family-friendly activities and games awaiting participants at the finish line, it was a fully inclusive day of fun, fitness, and community spirit, ensuring all ages and skill levels could take part in the excitement.

Participants gathered early in the morning of September 28, energized and excited for the ride, run, and walk courses that stretched through the heart of our historic community. With the sun rising over some of the most iconic Westside landmarks, it was a perfect day for friends, families, and supporters to hit the streets in support of a shared cause—revitalizing and restoring the Westside community.

Purpose Behind the Movement

The event goes beyond fitness. It’s about creating lasting change in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods. Each step, pedal, and stride taken during the Ride for the Westside helps raise critical funds for the WFF’s mission of securing affordable housing, fostering economic stability, and preserving the heritage of the Westside.

Participants, from seasoned athletes to first-time walkers, came together with a shared passion for supporting a community rich in historical significance. Along the route, they passed iconic landmarks such as the homes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, while witnessing firsthand the remarkable progress in revitalizing blighted properties. These once-neglected areas have been transformed into high-quality, affordable housing for individuals and families with deep ties to the Westside—those who live, work, and learn in the community.

Highlights from the Day

The day was filled with notable moments—from kids beaming with pride as they crossed the finish line to community leaders sharing their stories of how WFF’s programs have impacted their lives. Many participants took advantage of the opportunity to explore areas of the Westside they may not have known well, gaining a deeper connection to the neighborhoods they were supporting.

Among the notable attendees were Westside residents, local business owners, and even members of the broader Atlanta community, all rallying behind WFF’s vision. Whether participants chose the scenic cycling route, the invigorating run, or the leisurely walk, each had the opportunity to connect with their surroundings while championing a worthy cause.

A Lasting Impact

The funds raised through Ride for the Westside will directly support the initiatives of WFF and Quest CDC, including affordable housing solutions and wrap-around community support services.

With every mile traveled, participants not only enjoyed a fantastic day of fitness but also made a lasting impact on the future of the Westside. This community-focused event is more than just a ride, run, or walk—it’s a demonstration of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal.

The Westside Future Fund extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and sponsored this year’s event. Your involvement is essential to our efforts to transform Atlanta’s historic Westside into a community that Dr. King would be proud to call home.

Last week, the Westside community came together for an unforgettable celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Booker T. Washington High School—a cornerstone of Atlanta’s historic Westside and a beacon of African American excellence and resilience. The event brought alumni, students, educators, and community members together to reflect on a century of academic achievement and cultural significance. 

Founded in 1924, Booker T. Washington High School was the first public high school for African Americans in the state of Georgia. Named after the famous educator and leader Booker T. Washington, who served as the first president of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), the school quickly became a symbol of hope and progress for African Americans in Atlanta and the Southeast during the Jim Crow era. Its halls have nurtured some of the most influential leaders and changemakers in history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who graduated in 1944. The school has produced generations of scholars, athletes, artists, and activists who have gone on to shape not just the Westside but the nation.

The centennial celebration paid homage to this rich history with a week full of events, starting with a centennial anniversary assembly honoring the class of 2025. Students and alumni gathered in the school gym where they heard remarks from City Councilman Byron Amos, a fellow graduate of the school, who shared that 20 members of his family have also graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

On Saturday, alumni, current students, faculty, and esteemed guests joined for the signature event of the celebration, the Experience the Best of Booker T. Washington Atlanta Alumni  Centennial Gala, to honor a century of educational excellence.

Earlier this summer, the Westside Future Fund Volunteer Corps partnered with Boston Consulting Group for a mobilization of over 300 volunteers who helped spruce up the school for the 100th school year. Volunteers landscaped, designed murals, and touched up the halls of the school with fresh coats of paint. 

For the residents of Atlanta’s Westside, Booker T. Washington High School has always been more than just a school. It’s a pillar of the neighborhood, providing not only education but also a sense of identity and pride. Through decades of social and economic changes, the school has remained a steadfast institution, adapting to new challenges while staying true to its mission of empowering African American youth. 

The 100th anniversary celebrations were not just about looking back at the past; they were also about looking forward. Several speakers highlighted the ongoing efforts to support the next generation of leaders emerging from Booker T. Washington’s classrooms. With partnerships between Westside Future Fund and organizations across Atlanta, the school continues to be a key leader in the Westside’s revitalization. 

As we reflect on this momentous milestone, it is clear that Booker T. Washington High School is not only a historical landmark but a living testament to the power of education in shaping a brighter future. The weeklong celebration reminded us all of the profound impact that one school can have on an entire community and beyond. 

Here’s to the next 100 years of Booker T. Washington High School—an enduring legacy of excellence and a beacon of hope for the Westside.

Westside residents, community members, and business leaders convened for the September 20 Transform Westside Summit, sponsored by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, to hear about workforce development and financial inclusion in Atlanta’s Westside communities. John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, welcomed attendees and Destiny Mobley, English Avenue resident and Home on the Westside participant, led the devotion.

The event featured a panel moderated by Ebony Ford, a proud resident of English Avenue and a graduate of the Westside Works program, who shared how her participation transformed her life. Panelists included:

• Amy Woodson – Executive Director, First Step Staffing
• Ralfiel Worthem – Director of Career Centers, Goodwill of North Georgia
• Theresa Austin-Gibbons – Deputy Commissioner of Signature Programs, Atlanta Department of Labor & Employment Services
• Quasandria Turner – Director, Westside Works

The conversation showcased how these leaders are working in unison to create more equitable workforce development systems in Atlanta, with a special focus on ensuring the Westside community can thrive through sustainable employment, partnerships and innovation.

Key Themes from the Conversation

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts
The event highlighted the importance of partnerships between organizations working to address the unique challenges faced by individuals in underserved areas, particularly on Atlanta’s Westside. Each organization plays a vital role in building an ecosystem that not only creates jobs but also enables career development and long-term economic empowerment.

Theresa Austin-Gibbons emphasized the role of the new Atlanta Department of Labor & Employment Services. She detailed various government programs aimed at reducing unemployment and fostering financial inclusion in the Westside. She highlighted collaborative efforts between the government and community organizations to increase employment opportunities for underserved populations.

The support of funders, including the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, has allowed for critical partnerships that deliver resources, training and services to the community, helping alleviate the burdens that often prevent people from participating in workforce development programs.

Focus on Underserved Communities
Changing dynamics of underserved communities and how workforce development needs to adapt to those changes was another recurring theme. The speakers emphasized the need for tailored solutions that address the specific barriers residents face, such as access to transportation, childcare and skills training. Programs like Westside Works have evolved over the past decade to listen more effectively to the community’s needs, responding with flexible and innovative solutions that support both the individual and the employers who drive economic growth.

Workforce Development and Career Pathways
The panelists emphasized sustainable career opportunities, not just temporary jobs. Programs are now designed to help individuals not only secure employment but also build long-term careers that offer stability and growth. 

Ralfiel Worthem from Goodwill of North Georgia highlighted the importance of skill development in securing long-term employment. Through their career centers, Goodwill offers educational workshops, resume building and connections to employers, ensuring Westside residents have access to resources that support career advancement. The introduction of new training programs, such as electric vehicle (EV) technician training and heat pump installer programs, demonstrates a forward-looking approach aligned with emerging industries and the green economy.

This shift reflects a broader vision of helping individuals and families move from economic instability to financial independence, ultimately building generational wealth in the community. The conversation centered on how to provide training in industries that will continue to grow, giving participants a path to well-paying, stable careers.

Addressing Specific Barriers
Panelists spoke about the importance of addressing specific barriers residents face when trying to access workforce development programs. Childcare was a significant focus, as many individuals, especially single parents, find it difficult to attend training programs due to the high cost and limited availability of childcare services. The Nana Grants program is a solution that provides free childcare to participants while they are enrolled in training programs and for a period after they transition into the workforce, easing their financial burden.

Quasandria Turner spoke about transportation, another key barrier, and how one participant had to take four buses and start his commute at 5 a.m. to attend the Westside Works program, highlighting the challenges residents from outside the immediate area face. The solution, facilitated by partnerships with rideshare services like Lyft, helps participants with long commutes access training without such time-consuming and exhausting journeys.

Amy Woodson discussed how First Step Staffing is committed to providing job opportunities to individuals facing significant barriers, such as homelessness or prior incarceration. The organization focuses on immediate job placement and helping individuals achieve financial stability through sustained employment.

Community Impact
One of the most powerful aspects of the Summit was the focus on community-driven solutions. By listening to the community’s needs, workforce development providers have been able to tailor their services, ensuring that they are accessible, relevant and impactful. These programs are not just about finding jobs but about creating opportunities that will have a lasting effect on individuals and their families, helping to build economic mobility and generational wealth.

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 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, Georgette “GG” Reynolds, founder of JuicedUp, tells the story of how her son inspired her to create a business that supports health and wellness for all. 

When she first got the news In 2017, it was all new to Georgette Reynolds. Her son Gage had just been diagnosed with autism, an often challenging diagnosis for both the individual and the family – but Georgette wasn’t fazed. In fact, she was inspired.

“That day, my son was given his title of superpowers. As a parent, I didn’t know much about autism and I had to go out and seek resources to help. At the same time, I was making this juice and as we know the gut and the brain are deeply connected and if I could take care of his gut I could help his brain function, and boom JuicedUp was born,” said Reynolds. “I first started making juice to help my sick father even before that. I’ve always believed in the power of juice, but the business didn’t start until I realized the value to my son and others as well. When people ask how I got started, I always say it was the father, the son, and my spirit to serve.”

That’s when she started on her mission. For Reynolds, she believes individuals with autism are too often given limitations in life – told what jobs they can and can’t do, what things they can and can’t accomplish when in her eyes and in the eyes of others, they’re just as capable as anyone else.

“JuicedUp exists because autistic people exist. My goal and driven passion is to create jobs, educational resources and additional platforms for autistic individuals to thrive in life,” said Reynolds. 

The Westside community has been critical to JuicedUp’s success according to Reynolds. When faced by countless challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic turmoil, small business owners have joined together to ensure that nobody was left behind. Seeing how the community came together and given her own history there, she knows the Westside is home for the future.

“I started in a community kitchen called Marddy’s Kitchen, and the role they played was so important. I met so many people, made connections, and everyone supported each other,” said Reynolds. “And for me, this community is personal. I grew up on the Westside, my family is on the Westside, I have to give this to my community. I owe it to myself and I owe it to my community. I got even more specific with the autistic because there aren’t many resources for them in underserved communities, specifically this one and southwest Atlanta.”

When the Westside Future Fund heard about her mission, there wasn’t a question that Reynolds and JuicedUp were playing a critical role for the community, which is why they were named a recipient of the Program Related Investment (PRI) program. The funding from the program immediately went into action according to Reynolds, helping her to establish the company’s first retail space.

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. 

When Ivera Powell first moved to Atlanta in 1959, she spent years moving between rooming houses and public housing with her children. Then, one day, while passing through the historic Westside, she found what would become her forever home.

“I saw this house, and I said, ‘That’s a nice place to live,’ because my kids could go to school there,” said Powell. “So I started making inquiries about how to get it.”

Situated across the street from Booker T. Washington High School and just blocks from M. Agnes Jones Elementary School, the house was perfect for her family. The proximity to quality education and the charming design of the home made it an ideal place to settle down.

“I’ve always wanted two children and a white house with a swing on the porch,” said Powell. “I got three children and a white house with a swing on the porch.”

For Powell, the Westside wasn’t just a neighborhood; it was a community where her children could thrive. Her children attended both local schools, walking the same streets every day that she had come to love. The home wasn’t just a structure; it was the foundation of a life she had always dreamed of.

After a 56-year career as a domestic worker, Powell is now retired and still enjoying the home she fell in love with so many years ago. But as Atlanta’s rapid growth and development brought rising property taxes, her ability to remain in the home and community she cherished was threatened – until she was introduced to Westside Future Fund.

As part of Westside Future Fund’s signature Home on the Westside program, legacy homeowners can register for the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund (ADTF) program. Funded by philanthropic contributions, the ADTF operates as a grant that does not require repayment, offering critical relief to residents.

Once enrolled, homeowners are protected from increases in their existing property taxes, with the ADTF covering the difference for up to 20 years. The program serves qualifying legacy homeowners in the English Avenue, Vine City, Ashview Heights, Atlanta University Center, Just Us, and Booker T. Washington communities.

Powell’s status as a legacy resident qualified her for the fund, which dramatically reduced her property tax bill from over $3,000 to just $37. This assistance has allowed her to continue living in the home she has known for decades.

“I don’t know how I would have made it,” said Powell. “I can’t see myself paying that much with the money that I have. It would have been a real struggle for me to stay here. I would have had to ask my children to pitch in, and I don’t want to do that. I don’t ever want to have to do that unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

Thanks to the support of the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund, Powell’s future in her home is secure. The fund has provided not only financial relief but also peace of mind, allowing her to continue enjoying the safety and stability she has worked so hard to maintain.

“I was just grateful for them being able to pay because I didn’t think I would be able to make it otherwise,” said Powell.

To learn more about the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund, visit https://www.westsidefuturefund.org/homeonthewestside-adtfprogram/

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.

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.

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.