Every April, National Volunteer Month offers a meaningful opportunity to thank the people who give their time, talents, and hearts to serve our greater community. Here in our community, the people who power the WFF Volunteer Corps are neighbors, community champions, and essential partners in our mission to restore Atlanta’s historic Westside. 

Their dedication brings our vision to life. 

Volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Some are longtime residents. Others are students, professionals, or families who believe in investing their time where it matters most. What unites them all is a shared belief in the potential of this historic community and a willingness to be part of something bigger than themselves. Through our volunteer initiative, the WFF Volunteer Corps, we work hand-in-hand with more than 60 local nonprofit agencies to support our impact areas of education, housing, and health and wellness. 

“At Westside Future Fund, we’re committed to working with the community to help restore and preserve the rich history and strength of the historic Westside,” said Raquel Hudson, Director of Property Assets & Volunteer Programs at Westside Future Fund. “Our volunteers play a vital role in that mission by joining hands with our neighbors, showing up consistently, and investing their time in the places and people that make this community so special.”

In 2024, more than 3,000 volunteers engaged in projects across the Westside — a 33 percent increase from the year before. Together, they contributed over 9,100 hours of service, resulting in an estimated $304,926 in community investment. This time and energy was directed toward tangible outcomes, including, but not limited to, the cleanup of 96 tons of trash — for perspective, that’s equivalent to 16 adult elephants. From revitalizing public spaces to supporting community events, our volunteers’ impact is evident on every block of the historic Westside.

The past year was filled with moments that exemplify the power of collective action. 

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, over 1,200 volunteers fanned out across over a dozen sites in the community, demonstrating a living legacy of service. Last year, volunteers helped deliver Thanksgiving meals to 292 households in the spirit of the holidays and provided gifts to 222 youth through our Holiday Gift Giving program. 

“It was amazing to see so many people come out and support not only our students but our parents, our teachers, and our school community as a whole,” said Dr. Teruko Dobashi, principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School, during the 2025 MLK Day of Service. “I think it’s really important for our students to have access to people who look like them, who may not look like them, showing them how to pour into a community so that they can take that and lead and do the same. We’re all about paying it forward here.”

At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to our mission: to advance a compassionate approach to neighborhood revitalization that creates a diverse, mixed-income community, improves the quality of life for current and future residents, and honors the rich history and culture of the historic Westside. Volunteers play a vital role in making that mission possible. 

“It means a lot to give back to Atlanta’s historic Westside,” said Bella Smith, a Boston Consulting Group volunteer participating in the 2024 volunteer mobilization at Booker T. Washington High School in honor of its 100th anniversary. “We’re grateful to Westside Future Fund for the opportunity to serve. Volunteering at schools like this is a powerful way to invest in students’ futures and help carry forward the legacy of this historic community.”

Thank you to every person who has stood with us, volunteered with us, and believed in the power of community. Your service is helping to build a stronger Westside — one that Dr. King would be proud to call home.

“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. Thelma Reneau, a local senior, legacy Westside resident, and WFF Anti-Displacement Tax Fund recipient following a visit from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) volunteers during their 2024 volunteer mobilization. “[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.”

Volunteering with Westside Future Fund means becoming part of a movement rooted in love, legacy, and the promise of a better future. Visit www.westsidefuturefund.org/volunteer to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities. 

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. This issue features Hands On Atlanta, a dynamic nonprofit that connects thousands of volunteers with meaningful service opportunities across the city.

Mobilizing Volunteer Power to Meet Atlanta’s Greatest Needs

From corporate boardrooms to school hallways and community gardens, Hands On Atlanta serves as one of the city’s most powerful engines for volunteerism. The organization plays a key role in advancing community-based solutions by mobilizing thousands of volunteers to serve across the city.

“Hands On Atlanta is the great aggregator of the Atlanta community,” said William Webber, Associate Director of Corporate Impact. “We bring together everyone from corporate groups to college students to everyday residents who want to give back—and connect them with the right opportunities.”

That means promoting 25 to 50 volunteer opportunities a day and serving as a bridge between Atlanta’s philanthropic-minded companies and the grassroots nonprofits that need their help.

“Our nonprofit partners are often run by one or two people. They don’t have the capacity to plan custom volunteer events for 500 people,” Webber explained. “We step in to design and lead those activations so they can focus on their mission.”

Hands On Atlanta’s work focuses on three major pillars: educational equity, environmental sustainability, and food security. They also manage the largest AmeriCorps program in Georgia, placing more than 40 members in Title I schools across metro Atlanta to serve as tutors, coaches, and program leaders. These AmeriCorps members are a direct line to the community’s evolving needs—whether that means providing snacks for students who arrive late and miss breakfast, or hosting Saturday programs that offer safe, enriching spaces for kids and families.

A Culture of Collaboration at 970 Jefferson

The synergy between organizations at 970 Jefferson is what makes the space special, according to Webber. Proximity leads to problem-solving, innovation, and shared impact.

“I want to know what everyone is doing so that we can enhance and build up that mission too,” said Webber. “Even just knocking on WFF’s door and asking what you’re seeing out there—that kind of knowledge-sharing is priceless.”

Hands On Atlanta often collaborates with partners like Food Well Alliance, Urban Recipe, and Second Helpings Atlanta, who are also based at 970 Jefferson. Webber recalled a recent example where a community partner (Restoring One’s Hope of Atlanta, Inc.) identified 500 food-insecure students from the Atlanta University Center. He had the food and the volunteers, while West Side Future Fund had the community organizing experience and the funds.

“Let’s do a massive pack that supports your community,” Webber proposed. And they are currently planning that event.

These moments of synergy—whether it’s donating environmental STEM kits, sharing tents, or planning full-scale activation events—are what keep Webber and his team rooted at 970 Jefferson.

“Everything we do is in partnership with a community organization, a school or a corporate partner. The collaboration between the organizations at 970 is such a beautiful thing. It makes solving big problems in our community a little easier and removes obstacles to create more impact.”

Supporting the Westside

Many of Hands On Atlanta’s initiatives center around neighborhoods on Atlanta’s historic Westside, often in partnership with other 970-based organizations.

One standout example is their support of Cure Violence, a grassroots organization located just around the corner from 970 Jefferson. Cure Violence operates with deep community ties and minimal resources—and Hands On Atlanta helps amplify their impact by donating items like snacks, hygiene kits, and educational materials for the youth they serve.

“They told me, ‘We just want some chips for the kids,’ so I gave them a thousand bags of chips that they can hand out from now into eternity,” Webber recalled with a smile.

Their Westside work also includes large-scale beautification projects. Last year, Hands On Atlanta led a massive volunteer effort at Booker T. Washington High School. With the help of the Atlanta Braves, Home Depot, alumni, and neighbors, they added more than 100 tons of dirt to restore the school’s ball fields, painted murals on shipping containers, and transformed an overgrown courtyard into a vibrant hangout space with flowers and picnic tables.

“These are the kinds of impact events that truly transform a space and show the community that people care,” said Webber.

The Power of Shared Purpose

Webber regularly organizes “970 Takeover” events that bring together nearly every organization in the building for coordinated service days.

“There’ll be something happening in the parking lot, something in every corner of the warehouse. People can see the action and understand what’s really going on inside 970,” said Webber. “It’s not just a building—it’s a place where incredible things happen every day.”

If you’d like to get involved and volunteer with Hands On Atlanta, visit their website and browse thousands of volunteer opportunities at www.handsonatlanta.org.

To learn more about the organizations working out of 970 Jefferson Street NW, visit 970jefferson.org.

At the March 21 Transform Westside Summit, the spirit of Women’s History Month was front and center as we gathered to honor the powerful legacy of women on Atlanta’s Historic Westside—and look ahead to the future being built through collective action, community voice and collaboration.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) President & CEO John Ahmann and co-host Ebony Ford, a proud English Avenue resident and community advocate, opened the Summit by reflecting on the pivotal role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping the Westside community.

“Here on the historic Westside, women have played a very vital role in shaping our neighborhoods, leading change and uplifting others,” said Ford. “As we reflect on the past, we also focus on the future, empowering young women and ensuring they have the opportunities to lead and thrive.”

Key Highlights From the Discussion 

YWCA Phillis Wheatley Revitalization Project

This month’s featured program spotlighted the revitalization of the historic Phillis Wheatley YWCA, an iconic Westside landmark founded in 1951 that served generations of residents before closing in 2017. The YWCA Greater Atlanta is now leading a transformation effort to restore and reopen the facility as a hub for women, children and families—offering early learning, workforce development, health services and more.

YWCA Greater Atlanta President & CEO Danita Knight and Board Member Sarah Irvin, who also serves as the Committee Chair of the Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA revitalization campaign, shared updates on the project’s progress and its community-informed approach. Through a series of “social circles” hosted with local women, the team listened to residents’ needs and priorities before designing programming. Partnerships with CHRIS 180, Morehouse School of Medicine and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta are already in place to bring services directly to the Westside.

“What Phillis Wheatley became is what we do at YWCA Greater Atlanta every single day,” said Knight. “We take women who already have the natural skills and abilities, and we pour into them to help them move from just merely surviving to thriving. That’s why this is so important.”

This project is a recommitment to preserving legacy while investing in future generations. “This will be a safe space for women, girls and families,” said Knight. “Historically, it was a safe space and a gathering space, and we’re bringing that back.”

As a tribute to the site’s legacy, the YWCA team has also preserved the original building’s facade. 

To close the program, attendees shared questions and reflections—ranging from opportunities for local entrepreneurs to engage in the work to the importance of inclusive development and early childhood education.

Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry — you can watch the full March Transform Westside Summit on our Youtube.

Atlanta’s historic Westside has been home to generations of remarkable women whose courage, vision, and love for their neighborhoods have helped shape the city as we know it.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re taking a moment to recognize the incredible women whose stories have shaped Vine City, English Avenue, and the communities beyond. These women were change agents, advocates, educators, and visionaries whose legacies continue to inspire and inform our work at Westside Future Fund. 

Dr. Irene Jackson Dobbs

Born in 1908, Dr. Irene Jackson Dobbs was a brilliant academic, Spelman College valedictorian, and advocate for civil rights who made her mark as the first Black person to integrate the Atlanta Public Library system. After studying in France and earning a doctorate, she returned to her home on Sunset Avenue in Vine City—a neighborhood she and her husband chose for its promise as a thriving Black community.

Her quiet but courageous acts of resistance, like demanding a library card in a segregated city, blazed trails for future generations. Her son, Maynard Jackson Jr., carried that legacy forward, becoming Atlanta’s first Black mayor. Today, Westside Future Fund is restoring her family’s former home at 220 Sunset Avenue to serve as high-quality, affordable housing for faculty and staff of Spelman College in honor of her legacy. 

Dorothy Bolden

A native of Atlanta, Dorothy Bolden began working as a domestic worker at the age of nine and transformed her lived experiences into a national movement. In 1968, she founded the National Domestic Workers Union of America, which gave voice to countless women laboring in households without rights, protections, or dignity.

Her fierce advocacy helped elevate domestic work to the forefront of labor rights and women’s rights conversations. Though her work spanned the country, her passion was deeply rooted in the communities of Atlanta’s historic Westside, where she organized workers and built power among the city’s most overlooked women. Her spirit of grassroots empowerment continues to inform the mission of Westside Future Fund—ensuring long-term residents can choose to stay and thrive in the neighborhoods they’ve called home.

Mattie Freeland

For more than 55 years, Mattie Freeland was the heart and soul of Dalvigney Street. Known affectionately as “Mother Mattie,” she offered food, shelter, and love to anyone in need. When others saw a blighted lot across the street, she envisioned a garden—a space for hope and beauty in a neighborhood too often forgotten.

Though she passed before that dream came to life, her neighbors carried it forward. Today, Mattie Freeland Park is a vibrant green space and a testament to community power. Westside Future Fund proudly supports development efforts surrounding the park and, in 2017, supported the conversion of Mattie’s home as a community house—ensuring her legacy of love and service lives on in the place she cherished.

Kathryn Johnston

Kathryn Johnston was a 92-year-old matriarch who lived for decades on Neal Street in English Avenue. In 2006, her life was tragically cut short during a botched no-knock police raid that sparked national outrage and catalyzed conversations about justice and reform.

In her honor, the Kathryn Johnston Memorial Park now sits just a block away from her former home, transforming once-neglected land into a sanctuary of healing and remembrance. The park, designed to mitigate stormwater flooding and offer a safe space for residents, is part of a broader effort—supported by Westside Future Fund—to reclaim and renew the English Avenue community in ways that honor the lives and legacies of those who came before. Several WFF projects—including new blocks of single-family homes along Proctor Street, the nearly completed mixed-use development at 839 Joseph E. Boone Blvd., and an upcoming single-family and multifamily project set to break ground across from the park—reflect a concentrated effort to revitalize and transform the area into a thriving, vibrant community.

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet, serves as the namesake of the historic Phillis Wheatley YWCA on Atlanta’s Westside. Once a gathering place for Black women and children, the building has been shuttered since 2015—but its mission lives on.

Thanks to the leadership of Danita V. Knight and partners including Westside Future Fund, the Phillis Wheatley YWCA is being revived. When it reopens in 2025, the building will house vital wraparound services—from early childhood education to career training and health programs—designed specifically to uplift Westside women and families. With more than 60% of Westside households led by women, this investment is a critical step toward community-wide stability and empowerment.

At Westside Future Fund, we’re proud to stand on the shoulders of women like Dr. Irene Jackson Dobbs, Dorothy Bolden, Mattie Freeland, Kathryn Johnston, and so many others. Their courage, leadership, and love continue to guide our work to build a community where every resident—especially the women who anchor it—has the opportunity to thrive.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is proud to announce another milestone in its mission to ensure long-time residents and community contributors can continue to call the historic Westside home. Zonquil Bailey, a dedicated community advocate and mentor, recently became the proud owner of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home along the James P. Brawley corridor through WFF’s signature affordable housing initiative, Home on the Westside.

Bailey’s connection to the Westside runs deep. His family has long been part of the fabric of the neighborhood, and through his work with Music Without Limits, he has devoted himself to empowering youth across the community with after-school programs, life skills workshops, and mentorship. Now, thanks to the support of Home on the Westside, Bailey has the opportunity to continue his work and legacy from a place he calls his own.

By prioritizing individuals with live, work, and learn connections to the Westside, Home on the Westside ensures that residents like Bailey—who actively uplift and invest in the community—can build lasting stability without being priced out of the place they love.

Home on the Westside: Empowering Residents and Building Stability

WFF’s flagship program, Home on the Westside, focuses on three key service areas to combat displacement and create pathways to economic empowerment:

• Homeownership: Supporting mortgage-ready buyers like Bailey in achieving their dream of homeownership.
• High-Quality Rentals: Providing safe and affordable rental housing options to meet a range of needs.
• Property Tax Assistance: Helping legacy residents remain in their homes through the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund.

Through these efforts, WFF is working to ensure the Westside remains a vibrant, inclusive community for generations to come.

Join WFF’s Next Chapter

WFF’s work is made possible by a growing coalition of philanthropic partners who believe in compassionate, community-centered revitalization. To deepen this impact, WFF launched Our Next Chapter, a capital campaign focused on accelerating the production of affordable housing across the Westside.

Help write the next chapter of the historic Westside’s story. Join the movement today.

For Rodrick Collier, becoming a homeowner through Westside Future Fund’s Home on the Westside program is more than a milestone—it’s a transformative experience rooted in legacy, location, and love for community.

A firefighter by profession and community advocate at heart, Rodrick has deep ties to Atlanta’s Westside. In fact, he once served this very neighborhood through his work in public safety. Today, he’s proud to call it home.

“This is probably the most convenient home I’ve had,” Rodrick says. “I’m less than a half mile from the BeltLine, close to groceries, close to everything. I really like being right here.”

But for Rodrick, the true value of homeownership lies beyond convenience. Having grown up in apartments and rental homes, he never had the chance to witness homeownership firsthand—or learn the financial lessons that come with it. Now, he’s changing that narrative for his own son.

“For him to experience being in a home with his father—where we can talk about financial freedom, talk about the process, and talk about the legacy of family—it’s a great tool,” he says. “I didn’t have that. But now he does.”

Rodrick’s story is a powerful reflection of what Home on the Westside is all about: creating pathways to stability and generational progress for families with deep roots in Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods.

Through investments and partnerships, Westside Future Fund is helping longtime residents like Rodrick not only remain in the communities they love—but thrive in them.

“It kinda feels like this neighborhood was left out of the movement of financial freedom,” he says. “Now, they’re putting back into the community—and it’s a really great feeling.”

Home on the Westside: Building Stability, One Family at a Time

Westside Future Fund’s Home on the Westside initiative supports individuals with live, work, and learn connections to the Westside through:

• Homeownership opportunities for mortgage-ready buyers
• High-Quality Rentals at affordable rates
• Property Tax Assistance through the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund

These programs are designed to ensure that legacy residents and community heroes like Rodrick Collier can plant roots, build wealth, and create lasting change.

Join the Movement

Westside Future Fund’s mission is made possible by the generosity of our philanthropic partners and community supporters. Join Our Next Chapter, our capital fundraising campaign to accelerate the creation of affordable housing across Atlanta’s historic Westside.

Be part of the change today.

Atlanta’s historic Westside is a living testament to the city’s rich past and enduring legacy. Throughout the community, streets and landmarks tell the stories of trailblazing leaders whose contributions shaped Atlanta—and the nation.

In honor of Black History Month, we are launching a blog series exploring the namesakes of four significant streets that run through the historic Westside. This edition highlights Cameron M. Alexander Boulevard, a key corridor in the heart of English Avenue that stands as a tribute to a man devoted to faith, service, and community empowerment. Formerly known as Kennedy Street, it was renamed in 2010 to honor Reverend Cameron Madison Alexander, a towering figure in Atlanta’s religious and civic life.

A Life of Leadership and Service

Born in Atlanta on February 12, 1932, Cameron M. Alexander was an accomplished student-athlete and musician, he played football, ran track, and performed on the saxophone. His love of history guided him academically, providing a foundation for the ministry that would define his life’s work. In 1948, he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

After high school, Alexander attended Florida A&M University, where he was a member of the renowned Marching 100 band. He later served in the U.S. Air Force before continuing his education at Morehouse College, where he studied under the mentorship of the legendary Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from the Morehouse School of Religion and went on to hold leadership positions in multiple institutions, including the Morehouse School of Religion and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

The Pastor Who Transformed a Community

Rev. Alexander’s journey in ministry began in Cartersville, Georgia, and took him to Macon and Savannah, where he became known not only as a spiritual leader but also as a civil rights advocate. In Macon, he played a key role in desegregating city buses, lunch counters, and even Mercer University. In Savannah, he partnered with financial institutions to revitalize entire neighborhoods, demonstrating his belief that the church must be active in uplifting communities.

In 1969, while visiting Antioch Baptist Church North as a guest preacher, Rev. Alexander delivered a sermon so powerful that the congregation voted the very next day to call him as their pastor. Over the next 49 years, he led Antioch with a vision that extended far beyond the pulpit. Under his leadership, the church became a beacon of hope, offering housing assistance, education programs, job training, and international missionary work. He trained, licensed, and ordained more than 600 ministers, 150 of whom went on to pastor their own churches.

For nearly five decades, Rev. Alexander led Antioch Baptist Church North, transforming it from a modest congregation into a thriving institution with over 14,000 members and more than 75 ministries. His influence extended far beyond the church walls, shaping the English Avenue community and inspiring people across Atlanta and beyond.

A Street Named for a Servant Leader

Rev. Alexander’s deep commitment to English Avenue and the surrounding Westside community was unwavering. He firmly believed that Antioch Baptist Church North should remain in the city, where it could have the greatest impact on those in need. His leadership went beyond his congregation—he was an advocate for affordable housing, economic development, and social justice.

Rev. Alexander’s influence reached far beyond Atlanta. He served as President of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia for 29 years, led international humanitarian efforts in Haiti, South Africa, and Brazil, and was honored by institutions such as the Atlanta Business League and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. His sermons and speeches have been preserved in the Library of Congress, ensuring that his voice will continue to inspire future generations.

In 2010, in recognition of his contributions, the City of Atlanta renamed Kennedy Street as Cameron M. Alexander Boulevard. The street, which runs through English Avenue, serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication to the neighborhood. English Avenue, historically significant but long impacted by disinvestment, is now the focus of revitalization efforts, and the boulevard bearing Rev. Alexander’s name stands as a symbol of resilience and faith in the community’s future.

Westside Future Fund’s Work on the Boulevard 

When you walk or drive down Cameron M. Alexander Boulevard, you are traveling along a road that represents more than just a name—it embodies a legacy of service, faith, and transformation. His work and vision live on, not just in the street that bears his name, but in the community he uplifted and the countless lives he touched.

As Westside Future Fund (WFF) continues its transformational work across Atlanta’s historic Westside, the intersection of Cameron M. Alexander Boulevard and James P. Brawley Drive has been a focal point for restoration efforts.

At this corner stands the Yellow Store—once a bustling commercial hub, later overshadowed by disinvestment, gang violence, and the local drug trade. Since acquiring the property in 2019, WFF has eliminated illicit activity and plans to restore the building as a mixed-use space, offering both residential and commercial opportunities to serve the community.

Diagonally across the street, St. Marks AME Church is undergoing its own transformation. Led by Pastor Winston Taylor, this restoration project is revitalizing the church as a gathering space for local residents and community events—preserving both the structure and the cultural identity of the corridor.

Just east of the intersection, a row of high-quality, affordable single-family homes now stands, made possible by the Atlanta Police Foundation’s (APF) Secure Neighborhoods Initiative. In collaboration with Pulte Homes and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, APF aimed to strengthen relationships between communities and the officers who serve them. WFF partnered with APF to identify legacy residents for the homes, which also provide housing for select Atlanta Police Department officers.

Across the street, the @Promise Center serves as a vital resource for Westside youth, offering mentorship, education, and support to empower the next generation.

With each of these efforts, WFF is advancing its mission to restore and revitalize the historic Westside—ensuring its neighborhoods remain vibrant, safe, and full of opportunity—while keeping the legacy of Cameron M. Alexander and other historic community leaders at the heart of the work.

The February 21 Transform Westside Summit, held at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, brought together community leaders, residents and partners to reflect on the progress made in affordable housing in Atlanta. The Summit featured a dynamic conversation with Terri Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing and John Ahmann, President and CEO of Westside Future Fund (WFF), as we celebrated Lee’s first year leading Atlanta Housing and explored the current state and future of housing in the City of Atlanta.

Ahmann opened the Summit by highlighting WFF’s commitment to transforming the Historic Westside neighborhoods, ensuring both legacy residents and newcomers can thrive. He introduced Derrick Jordan, a Westside resident, who shared his personal connection to Terri Lee. Rev. Sean Smith, New Horizon Baptist Church Pastor, led the devotion.

Key Highlights From the Discussion

“Affordable housing is not just about buildings; it’s about people, partnerships, and a shared vision for a future where every family has the stability they deserve.” – Terri Lee

Leadership in Affordable Housing
Lee shared her journey in leading Atlanta Housing, focusing on the collaborative efforts needed to address the city’s housing challenges. She spoke about the importance of building a strong team and forging partnerships with community organizations like WFF to create a unified approach to affordable housing.

Progress in 2024
Lee highlighted Atlanta Housing’s significant strides over the past year. Key achievements included the development of new housing units, the revitalization of long-standing public housing sites and efforts to streamline the housing application process. The organization’s goal was not only to build new housing but also to preserve neighborhood character and reduce displacement.

Future Plans for Atlanta Housing
Looking forward, Lee emphasized Atlanta Housing’s focus on long-term affordability. The organization plans to develop new mixed-income communities that integrate both market-rate and affordable housing, ensuring residents of all income levels can find stable housing. Additionally, community engagement will be prioritized, making sure that redevelopment efforts meet the needs of residents and respect the integrity of the neighborhoods.

“The future of Atlanta Housing is about more than just new developments—it’s about ensuring affordability, community engagement, and respect for the neighborhoods we serve.” – Terri Lee

Collaborative Impact with WFF
Lee and Ahmann discussed the importance of partnerships in achieving their shared housing goals. Joint initiatives between Atlanta Housing and WFF have been crucial in advancing development projects in English Avenue and Vine City, with both organizations working to ensure the needs of legacy residents are at the forefront of redevelopment.

“Our partnership with WFF has been critical to driving progress in communities like English Avenue and Vine City. Together, we are shaping a future that reflects the needs of residents.” – Terri Lee

Ahmann thanked Lee for her leadership and the collaboration between Atlanta Housing and WFF. He reinforced the importance of continued public and private partnerships to ensure that the Historic Westside remains an inclusive, vibrant and accessible community for all.

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. This issue features the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to philanthropic fundraising, donor-supported programming, and advocacy to support the Beltline’s vision for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life.

A Vision for Connectivity and Inclusion

From its inception, the Atlanta Beltline has been more than a transit, trail, and greenspace project — it is a movement to unify Atlanta’s communities. Initially conceived by Ryan Gravel as a way to repurpose abandoned rail corridors, the Beltline has since become a transformative force, driving economic development, expanding access to greenspace, and fostering equitable growth across 45 neighborhoods.

Michael Davis, Deputy Executive Director of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.

“The Beltline has always been about access and opportunity. It’s about bringing communities together, protecting legacy residents, and ensuring that all Atlantans — especially those on the Westside — can benefit from this city-changing investment.”

Supporting Legacy Residents and Small Businesses

As investment in the Beltline corridor has increased, the Partnership has remained steadfast in its focus on affordability and anti-displacement efforts. A key initiative is the Legacy Resident Retention Program (LRRP). Funded through philanthropic donations, the program provides direct financial assistance to longtime homeowners to help them stay in their homes and build wealth as property values rise.

“Since launching the program four years ago, LRRP homeowners who have been in the program for at least a year have seen their homes appreciate nearly $50,000 on average. Based on the appraised property value in the Fulton County tax records, the home values for the 250 program participants have appreciated by a combined $10.8 million, calculated from the time each participant joined the program. We’re working to make sure that growth benefits the people who built these communities, not just new investors,” Davis explained.

In addition to the Legacy Resident Retention Program, the Atlanta Beltline Partnership offers valuable workshops and webinars for both renters and homeowners, funded through philanthropic donations. These workshops provide essential tools and resources to help residents save on taxes, stay in their homes, and secure their financial future. In 2024, over 600 participants attended these workshops. Homeowners who participated in the property tax appeal workshop experienced an average reduction of $30,000 in their property tax appraisals following their Board of Equalization hearings.

Beyond housing, the Beltline is a catalyst for small business growth, particularly for minority- and women-owned businesses. The Atlanta Beltline Partnership provides philanthropic support for the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace. Managed by Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (the agency responsible for Beltline implementation), this initiative creates commercial affordability solutions across four marketplace locations adjacent to the Southside, Westside, and Eastside.

“For just a couple hundred dollars a month, entrepreneurs gain access to prime foot traffic and business wraparound services to help them scale,” Davis said. “It’s about creating pathways for economic mobility.”

Strengthening the Westside Through Collaboration

Since moving to 970 Jefferson, the Beltline Partnership has been able to deepen its work in Westside neighborhoods, an area historically affected by disinvestment and displacement.

“Our office location puts us at the heart of the communities we serve,” Davis noted. “The collaboration with fellow nonprofits at 970 Jefferson allows us to be more responsive and innovative in tackling challenges like housing affordability, workforce development, and healthy living.”

The Partnership is particularly excited about expanding its health and wellness programs on the Westside. With initiatives like Walk with a Doc in Cook Park in Historic Vine City next to the Westside Beltline Connector and health fairs connecting residents to critical services, the organization is promoting healthier lifestyles and community well-being.

Looking Ahead: Major Investments in Westside Parks and Trails

Exciting park developments are on the horizon for the Westside thanks to donations to the Beltline Partnership from more than 20 donors for two new and expanded greenspaces.  Construction will soon begin on Enota Park, an eight-acre park near Westview, addressing a long-standing lack of recreational space in the area. With amenities like walking trails, a splash pad, a playground, a half-court basketball court, a multi-use field, and more, the park is set to become a new destination for families and community gatherings.

Another landmark project is a world-class bike park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park (formerly Westside Park). Designed to be one of the most inclusive bike facilities in the country, the park will feature areas for all skill levels, including sections that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Beltline Partnership is continuing to raise funds so construction can begin in late 2025.

Meanwhile, as Atlanta prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 17.9 miles of continuous Atlanta Beltline paved trail will be delivered, creating the longest continuous stretch of mainline trail. The acceleration of the Southside Trail construction ensures all segments are complete and link Eastside and Westside Trails.  The Westside Trail – Segment 4, will close the gap between Washington Park and the Westside Beltline Connector Trail in Bankhead, and Northwest Trail – Segment 5, will extend the Beltline north of the intersection of Marietta Boulevard and Huff Road to Ellsworth Industrial and English Street in Blandtown.

“The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation and The James M. Cox Foundation made historic donations through the Beltline Partnership to invest alongside substantial public funding to complete the full 22-mile Beltline trail corridor by 2030. We’ll have nearly 18 miles of contiguous Beltline trail in the spring of 2026, which will make the Westside Trail more accessible than ever,” Davis said.

The Power of Place at 970 Jefferson

For the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, being based at 970 Jefferson is about being part of a collaborative ecosystem working to shape the future of Atlanta.

“This building has a rich history of community service, and it continues to be a hub for positive change,” Davis reflected. “The partnerships we’ve built here are strengthening our ability to serve Atlanta’s residents, ensuring that as the city grows, no one is left behind.”

Learn more about the Atlanta Beltline Partnership and the work happening at 970 Jefferson at 970Jefferson.org.

Atlanta’s historic Westside is a living testament to the city’s rich past and enduring legacy. Throughout the community, streets and landmarks tell the stories of trailblazing leaders whose contributions shaped Atlanta—and the nation.

In honor of Black History Month, we are launching a blog series exploring the namesakes of four significant streets that run through the historic Westside. In this issue, travel down Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, a prominent thoroughfare stretching through the historic Westside and steeped in history. Formerly known as Bankhead Highway, the street was renamed in 1998 to honor Donald Lee Hollowell, a civil rights trailblazer whose legal expertise helped dismantle racial barriers across Georgia and beyond.

Hollowell’s Role in Civil Rights

As one of the few Black attorneys practicing civil rights law in the 1950s and 1960s, Donald Lee Hollowell took on cases that reshaped Georgia’s legal landscape. He successfully litigated the integration of the University of Georgia in 1961, representing Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter against the state’s segregationist policies. This landmark case not only broke barriers in education but also set a precedent for the desegregation of other institutions across the South.

Hollowell’s legal work extended beyond the courtroom. He provided counsel to student activists during the Atlanta sit-ins, defended Martin Luther King Jr. during the Albany Movement, and played a pivotal role in securing the release of activists who were unjustly imprisoned. His courage and skill in the face of systemic racism earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of younger civil rights leaders, including Vernon Jordan and Horace Ward.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Hollowell as the first Black regional director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for the southeastern United States. In this role, Hollowell continued his fight for equity by addressing workplace discrimination and increasing opportunities for African Americans across the region.

A Street That Carries a Legacy

Renamed from Bankhead Highway in 1998, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway serves as the northern boundary of English Avenue, a historic neighborhood that has been home to cultural movements, iconic musicians, and memorable contributions to Atlanta’s identity. 

Hollowell lived nearby in the affluent and historic Collier Heights neighborhood. Once a bustling corridor during the mid-20th century, the parkway experienced a decline in the 1970s as suburban sprawl drew resources and people away from urban centers. For decades, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway bore the brunt of disinvestment, but today, revitalization efforts are underway to restore its vibrancy and honor the legacy of “Mr. Civil Rights.”

Revitalization and Reflection

Today, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway is at the heart of efforts to revitalize Atlanta’s Westside. Community-led initiatives and investments aim to bring new energy to the area while honoring its history.

Westside Future Fund is currently leading several projects on or adjacent to the thoroughfare, including the preservation and restoration of the historic English Avenue Carnegie Library. Plans for the building include repurposing the structure as a commercial space as a resource for the community. 

Just a block away at 646 Echo Street, WFF is leading the construction of a multifamily development that will bring 24 high-quality, affordable rental units. The project will include two buildings standing three stories, and all units will rent at below market rates—half will be reserved for renters earning 80 percent of the area median income or less, 30 percent will be held for occupants at 60 percent AMI, and five apartments will rent for just 30 percent AMI. 

Just a couple blocks north stands 970 Jefferson Street, the headquarters of Westside Future Fund and a collaborative nonprofit hub home to eight other organizations committed to transformational community service work in Atlanta. 

As these efforts unfold, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway remains a physical and symbolic reminder of Hollowell’s work. His legacy is not only one of dismantling barriers but also of building pathways for future generations to thrive.