Westside Future Fund (WFF) is dedicated to ensuring that legacy residents of Atlanta’s historic Westside remain rooted in the community they call home. Through its Home on the Westside program, WFF supports individuals and families with live, work and learn connections to the historic Westside, helping them achieve the dream of homeownership.
A cornerstone of this initiative is WFF’s partnership with Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit championing financial literacy and empowerment. Established in 2022 through the generous philanthropic support of Cadence Bank, this partnership is designed to create pathways to economic mobility, foster community stabilization and build an ecosystem of resources to break the cycle of poverty on the historic Westside.
The investment from Cadence Bank has been instrumental in advancing these goals, providing the resources needed to empower Westside families and ensure the community’s vibrancy for generations to come.
Together, WFF and Operation HOPE are transforming lives by holistically addressing the financial barriers to homeownership. This partnership is paving the way for a brighter, more stable future for historic Westside families, reinforcing the community’s legacy while equipping residents to thrive.
The Partnership in Action
When prospective homeowners join WFF’s Home on the Westside program, they are paired with trusted real estate professionals and financial coaches. Operation HOPE plays a critical role in this process, with financial coach Mercedes Settles providing one-on-one support to clients who need guidance in improving their financial standing. Settles brings over 20 years of experience in mortgage lending and a passion for helping underserved communities achieve generational wealth.
The partnership ensures that individuals with ties to the Westside have the tools and resources they need to overcome financial obstacles.
“We focus on creating sustainable habits,” said Settles. “From budgeting and savings to improving credit scores and reducing debt, it’s all about preparing clients for long-term success.”
A Pathway to Stability
For clients referred by WFF, the process begins with an assessment of their financial situation. Whether it’s raising credit scores, building savings or creating a budget, Settles provides personalized support to meet each individual’s needs.
One recent Home on the Westside participant exemplifies this impact. Starting with a credit score of 517 and no savings in July, the client worked with Settles to improve their financial outlook. By October, their score had risen to 648, and they had saved $12,000 — key milestones on their journey to becoming a homeowner.
Staying Rooted in the Westside
The ultimate goal of this partnership is not just any homeownership but ensuring that those with connections to the Westside can remain in the community they call home. By helping residents achieve financial stability, WFF and Operation HOPE are strengthening the social and economic fabric of the Westside.
“Programs like this are critical,” said Settles. “They give clients the knowledge and support they need to stay rooted in their community and thrive in a challenging housing market.”
A Shared Vision for the Westside
The collaboration between WFF and Operation HOPE is about more than numbers and programs. It reflects a shared vision of creating opportunities for residents to build a better future for themselves and their families, while maintaining the historic and cultural integrity of Atlanta’s Westside.
By combining WFF’s mission of community revitalization with Operation HOPE’s expertise in financial literacy, the partnership is breaking down barriers to homeownership. For legacy residents of the Westside, it’s a step toward financial empowerment and stability that ensures they can remain an integral part of their community.
Learn more about Home on the Westside.