January 24, 2025

January Summit Recap: Westside Future Fund: Reflecting on 2024 & Charting the Path for 2025

The first Transform Westside Summit of 2025 was held January 17 and marked a pivotal milestone in Westside Future Fund (WFF) history as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary. The event reflected on a decade of transformative progress while charting a bold path forward to continue honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a compassionate, inclusive and thriving community.

WFF President & CEO John Ahmann opened the Summit by highlighting the nonprofit’s origins in 2015 and its mission to revitalize the historic Westside neighborhoods into a community Dr. King would be proud of. English Avenue resident Ebony Ford shared her personal connection to the work, emphasizing the importance of resident-driven change. Shawn Watwood, Sr., Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Morehouse School of Medicine, led the devotion, encouraging unity and purpose as the community enters a new year of opportunity and growth.

Moderated by Ahmann, the presentation featured WFF leaders offering a reflective look at 2024’s milestones and an inspiring vision for the year ahead.

Key Updates from the Panelists:

  • Tameka Askew, Director of Home on the Westside, reflected on the progress in delivering affordable housing and anti-displacement resources.
    • Thanks to generous philanthropic donors, HOTW offers up to $60,000 in down payment assistance.
    • Anti-Displacement Tax Fund (ADTF) continues to empower legacy residents to remain in their neighborhoods. In 2024, there were 10 new ADTF participants and $172,137 in taxes paid, bringing the total to 149 participants since the program’s inception.
    • She highlighted the program’s success in reaching halfway toward its 800-unit goal for permanently affordable rental housing, with 285 slated for construction in 2025.
  • Raquel Hudson, Director of Westside Volunteer Corps & Events, celebrated the growing impact of community volunteerism through neighborhood clean-ups, youth programs and community-building events.
    • More than 3,000 volunteers completed 39 projects in 2024, the largest engagement to date.
    • Engagement efforts include park clean-ups, school supply drives, painting murals and bingo with seniors, among others.
    • More than 20 corporate partners contributed to these efforts.
    • 1,200 volunteers have already registered for the 2025 MLK Day of Service.
  • Rachel Carey, Chief Real Estate Officer, shared updates on new developments and renovations completed in 2024.
    • There has been a 50% reduction in blighted properties since 2017, driven by strategic land acquisitions in Vine City and English Avenue. These have been replaced with schools, homes and parks.
    • Major projects include the development of 33 affordable housing units and 1,200 square feet of retail space along Boone in English Avenue and the 24-unit Echo Street project, which ensures accessibility with two ADA-compliant units.
    • A 12-unit development at 588/592 Pains in English Avenue will offer 2-bedroom, 1-bath for families and individuals.
  • Derrick Jordan, Real Estate Development Consultant, provided insights into projects completed in 2024 and shared exciting updates on innovative developments set to break ground in 2025.
    • Neighborhood rehabs, which are critical to the environment from a blight perspective, were a main focus in 2024.
    • WFF has several projects in the design phase throughout English Avenue and Vine City, featuring all new construction to serve both families and seniors, including 28 units on 390 Sunset and 18 units on James P. Brawley in Vine City.

Fundraising Progress and Future Goals

Ahmann announced that WFF has raised $35 million toward its $55 million goal, thanks to support from philanthropic partners, including The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Woodruff Foundation. The summit concluded with a forward-looking discussion, focusing on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Key priorities for 2025 include:

  • Building 225 single-family homes and activating underutilized spaces like the Carnegie Library in English Avenue.
  • Expanding Home on the Westside initiatives to help more families achieve affordable homeownership.
  • Increasing community engagement through expanded Westside Volunteer Corps
  • Strengthening partnerships to support education, safety and wellness initiatives.
  • Reaching 100% of the affordable housing goals set for 2025.

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