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 such partner is Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit whose compassionate support for food service workers in times of crisis has left an indelible mark on Atlanta’s restaurant community.

Supporting Food Service Workers in Crisis

Giving Kitchen was born from a deeply moving story of resilience and collective care. Co-founders Jen and Ryan Hidinger, cherished members of Atlanta’s food service community, faced an unimaginable challenge when Ryan was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2012. The extraordinary outpouring of financial and emotional support from their peers in the restaurant industry not only sustained them during this trying time but also planted the seed for Giving Kitchen, turning their personal experience into a lasting legacy of support of hope and solidarity for others in need.

“Our mission is simple: to provide stability to food service workers through financial assistance and connection to community resources,” said Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, Founder of Giving Kitchen. “We want to ensure that the people who serve us every day have a safety net when they need it most.”

Since its inception, Giving Kitchen has provided over $13 million in financial assistance to food service workers facing illnesses, injuries, housing crises and other unexpected hardships. The organization also offers access to social services, ensuring a holistic approach to stability.

Building Community at 970 Jefferson

When Giving Kitchen moved to 970 Jefferson in 2021, it marked a new chapter of collaboration and growth. Being part of this shared nonprofit hub has fostered opportunities for partnerships and resource sharing. The facility’s location on the historic Westside also aligns with Giving Kitchen’s commitment to equity and outreach.

“The environment at 970 Jefferson enables us to connect with other mission-driven organizations,” said Hidinger-Kendrick. “Collaborations like these allow us to serve food service workers more effectively and expand the reach of our impact.”

In 2023, Giving Kitchen partnered with fellow 970 Jefferson organization Food Well Alliance to host a community meal for local restaurant workers, blending their missions to support and celebrate the individuals who nourish Atlanta’s vibrant food culture.

Serving the Historic Westside and Beyond

The historic Westside has long been a focal point for Giving Kitchen’s outreach. Food service workers from local establishments often turn to the organization for support during times of crisis. By providing immediate assistance, Giving Kitchen helps keep individuals and families stable, benefiting the broader community.

“When a food service worker avoids eviction or receives an opportunity to be more at ease about not skipping a meal to afford their monthly bills, it creates a ripple effect of stability and hope,” said Hidinger-Kendrick. “This is the kind of impact we work to create every single day.”

Looking Ahead

As Giving Kitchen continues to grow, its presence at 970 Jefferson remains central to its mission. By working alongside other organizations committed to strengthening Atlanta’s communities, Giving Kitchen is building a more resilient and supportive network for food service workers.

“970 Jefferson is more than a building; it’s where ideas and resources converge to create real change,” said Hidinger-Kendrick. “We’re honored to be a part of this vibrant community.”

The organization is looking forward to Team Hidi 2025, its largest fundraiser, hosted at Truist Park on March 16, 2025. The fight for one life became the fight for thousands of food service workers nationwide. Food and beverage tastings, auctions, musicians, and speeches make Team Hidi Giving Kitchen’s biggest and most-anticipated event every year.

Giving Kitchen’s dedication to the restaurant community and its collaborative spirit at 970 Jefferson demonstrate the power of compassion and connection. Learn more about Giving Kitchen and the transformative work happening at 970 Jefferson at 970Jefferson.org. You can also follow Giving Kitchen on all social channels @givingkitchen.

At Westside Future Fund (WFF), a group of dedicated interns is making a lasting impact, supporting volunteer initiatives that uplift the community. From neighborhood cleanups to assisting with large-scale volunteer events, these young leaders are at the heart of the organization’s efforts to transform the lives and historic Westside into a community Dr. King would be proud to call home.

These interns, aged 11 to 21, are employed through generous funding from Georgia Natural Gas. The program focuses on keeping young people under 25 engaged, employed, and learning valuable job skills. The group collaborates directly with Westside Future Fund and Integrity Home Solutions, one of WFF’s key community partners, where they gain hands-on experience while making a tangible difference.

“We’re almost here every day, helping to clean up and set up events for the community,” said Anthony, a long-time intern who recently graduated high school.

Their work encompasses a range of activities, including beautifying neighborhoods, preparing and distributing resources for families in need, and ensuring community events run smoothly. From coordinating food distributions during Thanksgiving to supporting community cleanups, their contributions are pivotal to Westside Future Fund’s mission of building stronger bonds among neighbors and fostering sustainable, resident-centered revitalization in the historic Westside.

“I’ve been involved with Westside Future Fund since I was 10 or 11, doing everything from community cleanups to Thanksgiving events. It’s taught me how important it is to give back and be part of something bigger than yourself,” said Jonathan, another long-time intern.

For him and his fellow interns, the work is about creating connections and ensuring that everyone in the Westside community feels supported and empowered.

Ryan, who has also been involved with Westside Future Fund since a young age, reflected on the organization’s impact.

“[Westside Future Fund] gives back to the Westside community,” she said. “They’re helping people stay in the area who might not otherwise afford to. It’s important to me because I can help people who aren’t as lucky as I am. If I have the ability to do it, I think I should.”

The internship program provides these young individuals with valuable opportunities to grow while making a difference. Acting as both leaders and hardworking contributors, their support is crucial to ensuring every volunteer event is a success. Their teamwork and collaboration with other volunteers showcase their ability to inspire and motivate while rolling up their sleeves to get the job done.

Their efforts touch nearly every WFF Volunteer Corps activation, from supporting the annual Ride for the Westside to contributing to community wellness projects. This broad scope of work enables them to develop leadership skills and a profound appreciation for the importance of service.

By equipping these interns with the tools and experiences to succeed, Westside Future Fund and Integrity Home Solutions are preparing the next generation to carry forward the mission of community transformation. Their dedication demonstrates the power of youth leadership in driving positive change and creating a stronger, more connected Westside.

Through their tireless efforts, these interns embody the spirit of Westside Future Fund: to uplift, support and inspire. Their commitment to the community serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that with dedicated hearts and hands, a brighter future is always within reach.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is proud to announce another milestone in its mission to support community stability and empowerment in Atlanta’s historic Westside. Elisha Dumas, an employee at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC — recently became the owner of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home along the James P. Brawley corridor in the English Avenue neighborhood through WFF’s signature affordable housing initiative, Home on the Westside.

Dumas’s role at Mercedes-Benz Stadium perfectly aligns with WFF’s community retention guidelines, which prioritize housing for individuals with live, work and learn connections to the historic Westside. Thanks to a collaborative effort, Dumas received a combined $110,000 in down payment and financial assistance from WFF, Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Housing — turning his dream of homeownership into reality.

Now, with his workplace just minutes away, Dumas not only contributes to the Westside’s vibrant workforce but also joins a growing community of homeowners, renters and participants in WFF’s Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. His story is a testament to WFF’s commitment to fostering a thriving, connected and inclusive Westside.

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 opportunities for economic stability and empowerment:

• Homeownership: Assisting mortgage-ready buyers in achieving their dreams.
• High-Quality Rentals: Ensuring access to safe and affordable multifamily rental options.
• Property Tax Assistance: Supporting legacy residents through the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund.

Through these initiatives, WFF is building a stronger foundation for the Westside’s future, ensuring it remains a place where legacy residents and new neighbors alike can thrive.

Join WFF’s Next Chapter
WFF’s mission to advance equitable revitalization with compassion is made possible by the support of our philanthropic partners. To amplify these efforts, WFF has launched Our Next Chapter, a capital fundraising campaign dedicated to accelerating the creation of affordable housing for both legacy and future residents. Together, we can restore the historic Westside as a vibrant and enduring part of Atlanta’s fabric.

Be part of the change. Join Our Next Chapter today.

The December 20 Transform Westside Summit featured an inspiring and thought-provoking program centered on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Atlanta’s Westside. Hosted by John Ahmann, President and CEO of Westside Future Fund , the event highlighted the transformative work of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) under the leadership of Jay Bailey, its President and CEO. The event began with a warm welcome from Ahmann and Ebony Ford, an English Avenue resident, followed by a heartfelt devotion delivered by Louis Deas, Founder of Try Deas & Other Treats.

Ahmann led the conversation with Bailey, which highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship in addressing systemic inequalities in Atlanta, a city grappling with stark income disparities and barriers to economic mobility. The two spoke about the power of community collaboration, intentional investment and the indomitable spirit of Atlanta’s dreamers and doers. Bailey emphasized RICE’s mission to create pathways to success for Black entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship and opportunities for transformative growth. Key highlights included:

• The Vision of RICE: Positioned as a “beacon of opportunity,” RICE offers Black entrepreneurs a safe space to fail, learn and thrive, addressing challenges like loneliness, anxiety and systemic inequities.
• Historical Context: Bailey honored the legacy of Herman Russell, whose pioneering efforts in business and real estate paved the way for Black excellence in Atlanta. Russell’s intentionality in fostering opportunities for future generations, including building his headquarters on a hill overlooking Morehouse, Clark and Spelman so Black students could see the physical manifestation of what was possible for people who look like them, was a recurring theme.
• Impact of RICE: Supporting over 641 full-time entrepreneurs and touching 10,000 individuals annually, RICE has created and sustained more than 4,200 jobs in the City of Atlanta with those entrepreneurs generating $147 million in revenue every year. This equates to $527 million in new economic impact—surpassing the economic boost of the World Cup annually.

The discussion also delved into the importance of inclusive development in Atlanta, particularly on the Westside. Ahmann and Bailey reflected on:

• The need to preserve affordability for both housing and businesses to sustain Atlanta’s character and ensure prosperity for all.
• The power of intentionality in supporting local entrepreneurs through conscious spending and mentorship.
• The broader vision of Atlanta as a “beloved community” inspired by Dr. King’s dream—a city where opportunity transcends race and class.

Bailey challenged attendees to embrace “fierce intentionality” within their personal spheres of influence, advocating for incremental, localized change. He encouraged supporting Westside businesses, mentoring young entrepreneurs and fostering genuine connections across racial and economic divides. His vision of leveraging Atlanta’s rich entrepreneurial history as a catalyst for future growth left attendees inspired to actively participate in the Westside’s transformation.

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

With the holiday season in full swing and close at heart, Westside Future Fund’s Volunteer Corps embraced the spirit of giving with enthusiasm at the annual holiday gift-wrapping event held at the organization’s 970 Jefferson headquarters. Through their collective efforts, volunteers wrapped and prepared hundreds of toys for distribution to children in Atlanta’s Historic Westside community, ensuring the season was a little brighter for local families.

This year’s event was particularly special, marking a record-setting milestone thanks to the generosity of five philanthropic partners. The Home Depot, Progress Residential, PwC, Dell, and Medical Asset Management came together to contribute $50,000, enabling Westside Future Fund to expand its reach and bring joy to even more children. Their support covered the costs of hundreds of toys and their distribution throughout the community, demonstrating the profound impact of collaboration between cross-sector partners and shared commitment to Atlanta’s Westside.

At the heart of the event was a remarkable team of nearly 50 volunteers, including community members and representatives from Progress Residential and LIIV Atlanta Church. Together, they transformed the 970 Jefferson space into a hub of holiday cheer, efficiently organizing and wrapping gifts with care and precision. The result? Beautifully wrapped presents, ready to delight over 200 children from the Booker T. Washington Cluster schools.

The Volunteer Corps received additional support from a group of dedicated young leaders — interns from Westside Future Fund and its community partner, Integrity Home Solutions. These interns, ranging in age from 12 to 22, are part of a unique program funded by Georgia Natural Gas. This program not only provides employment opportunities but also equips youth under the age of 25 with valuable job skills while keeping them engaged and empowered.

Moments like these underscore the heart of WFF’s mission. Collaboration between neighbors, local organizations and private-public partners has the ability to create something truly extraordinary for families on Atlanta’s Westside. Through WFF’s holistic approach to supporting families with live, learn and work connections to the community, the organization is building stronger bonds among neighbors and fostering sustainable, resident-centered revitalization. Together, we’re creating a true sense of home on the Westside.

Would you like to be a part of this meaningful work? Visit volunteer.westsidefuturefund.org to learn more about how you can get involved in supporting Atlanta’s historic Westside community.

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.

During Thanksgiving week, the WFF Volunteer Corps joined forces with Hudson Grille to ensure individuals and families in Atlanta’s historic Westside could fully enjoy the holiday. This marks the fifth year of their impactful partnership, which provided hundreds of Thanksgiving meals complete with turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, desserts and rolls.

Hudson Grille has a long-standing tradition of giving back, beginning in 1991 at their original Juniper Street location. Community service has been at the heart of their business from the start. However, in 2020, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reevaluation of their distribution strategy. This led to a collaboration with Raquel Hudson, Director of Volunteer Programs at Westside Future Fund, forming a partnership that has continued to thrive and grow.

This year’s event took place in the two days leading up to Thanksgiving, distributing meals to hundreds of families in need. The program’s reach has expanded each year, making a tangible difference for countless households by ensuring they have a warm and hearty Thanksgiving meal.

“This partnership has become a cornerstone of our community service efforts for historic Westside families,” said Hudson. “Every family deserves a delicious meal during the holidays, and we’re honored to work alongside the Hudson Grille team to make that a reality.”

For the second consecutive year, WFF Volunteer Corps’ distribution efforts were led by interns from Integrity Home Solutions, a WFF community partner. These interns, aged 11 to 21, are employed through a Georgia Natural Gas-funded initiative as part of the Mayor of Atlanta’s Year of the Youth program. The program focuses on keeping young people under 25 engaged, employed and learning valuable job skills.

For Ryan, an intern with Integrity Home Solutions and Westside Future Fund, the experience of giving back has been deeply rewarding.

“I hope our efforts today bring joy to the families receiving these meals,” Ryan said. “For some, this might be the first time they’ve been able to share a complete Thanksgiving dinner, and it’s an honor to be part of that.”

As this partnership grows year after year, the WFF Volunteer Corps and Hudson Grille continue to exemplify the power of community collaboration in creating a brighter, more inclusive holiday season for all.

This incredible event is just the first of several that WFF will be participating in to support the community this holiday season. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please visit https://volunteer.westsidefuturefund.org/.

Destiny Motley, a Virginia native who moved to Atlanta’s Westside in 2019, is approaching her one-year milestone as a homeowner in December 2024. With the support of the Westside Future Fund, Motley has become the first in her family to own a home. In a remarkable five-year journey, she has transformed her life, going from unhoused to homeowner in Atlanta’s historic Westside community.

“I got introduced to Westside Future Fund through the At-Promise Center,” Motley said. “I met Ms. Tameka who works with the Westside Future Fund and she has helped so much.”

Motley says that Westside Future Fund made everything so easy for her through guidance and communication. The organization worked with her to make sure that she was on top of every form, deadline, and payment. 

“Over $100,000 was taken care of, and all I had to come out of pocket was $1,500,” Motley said. 

Before relocating to Atlanta to pursue her music career, Motley was a well-known artist in Richmond, Virginia. Without a place to stay, she was sleeping in her car for months after arriving to Atlanta. 

During this time, Motley met Broderick Thompson Smith, the founder of Music Without Limits, a community-based education, mentoring, and music immersion program for at-risk youth and adolescents. 

At the time, Smith was just starting the program and asked Motley to come on board as a writing teacher. Five years later, she’s the program director for an organization that has at least six centers. 

Motley considers the English Avenue neighborhood as another family for her. She is extremely grateful for the support the community has given her. It’s the reason she jumped at a chance to be a homeowner in this community. 

“Being in a community where everyone makes you feel like family is just a plus,” said Motley.

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.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is honored to announce the closing of another home in the historic Westside along the James P. Brawley corridor. Muhammad Fatty recently purchased a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house in the English Avenue neighborhood through Home on the Westside. Fatty is an employee of Spelman College, a revered academic institution located in the Atlanta University Center within the historic Westside footprint. His role at the school perfectly aligns with WFF’s community retention guidelines for its signature affordable housing initiative, Home on the Westside – prioritizing housing for those with live, work and learn connections to the historic Westside.

Now, Fatty is able to call the Westside home, with his place of work just minutes down the road. With the help of WFF and our partners, Fatty received $60,000 in down payment assistance from WFF, $25,000 in financial assistance from Invest Atlanta, $20,000 in financial assistance from Atlanta Housing and $15,000 from Federal Loan bank for a grand total of $120,000 in assistance to support making his dream of homeownership a reality. We’re incredibly excited to have him as not only a key part of the Westside’s workforce, but also as a great neighbor to many of our existing Home on the Westside homeowners, renters, and Anti-Displacement Tax Fund recipients. 

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.

The November 15 Transform Westside Summit brought together community leaders, housing advocates and residents to discuss collaborative solutions to affordable housing in Atlanta’s Historic Westside. Under the theme “Building Foundations,” the Summit emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing housing challenges while preserving the character and legacy of the community.

John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Ebony Ford, an English Avenue resident, opened the event and welcomed attendees. Tolton Pace, Senior Program Officer for Atlanta’s Westside at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, led the devotion.

The event featured a panel moderated by Derrick Jordan, President, Anothy Development, LLC, Real Estate Contractor and former Board Member for WFF. Panelists highlighted key themes shaping their work, focusing on partnerships, strategic investments and community-centered solutions. Panelists included:

• Rachel Carey, Chief Real Estate Officer, Westside Future Fund
• Candice Jordan, Chief Development Officer, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
• Ashani O’Mard,  Senior Vice President of Strategic Housing Investments, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership
• Amanda Rhein, Executive Director, Atlanta Land Trust

 

Key Themes from the Conversation

Partnerships and Community Impact
“Atlanta is a group project…There’s no way that’s more true than here on the Westside.” Rachel Carey

Collaborative efforts among organizations are driving meaningful change in Atlanta’s housing landscape. These partnerships have collectively enabled the construction, preservation and affordability of hundreds of housing units, ensuring community resilience.

• Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) partners with institutional investors to identify, purchase and rehabilitate single-family homes, bringing them back into the market as affordable housing.
• Westside Future Fund (WFF) collaborates with Quest Communities, Atlanta Housing and other partners to create affordable housing units aligned with community retention guidelines.
• Atlanta Land Trust (ALT) was founded through a coalition led by the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and community developers to preempt displacement and foster neighborhood stability.

Strategic Housing Investments and Partnership Models
“The community land trust model removes land from the speculative real estate market and puts it into community control for community benefit.” Amanda Rhein

Panelists emphasized leveraging innovative tools and financial models to create and preserve affordable housing.

• ANDP scales its impact by acquiring properties from institutional investors at discounted rates, rehabilitating them and reintroducing them as affordable homes or rentals.
• WFF’s Anti-Displacement Tax Fund provides financial support to offset rising property taxes for long-time residents, preserving homeownership and community roots.
• Habitat for Humanity utilizes 0% mortgage programs, reducing housing costs to an average of $700-$800 per month, enabling homeowners to invest in education, business ventures and generational wealth.

Collaborative Approach to Affordable Housing
“Because we’re able to engage volunteers, it helps keep our homes affordable… we save about $40,000 per build, and those savings are passed on to homeowners.” Candice Jordan

The panel showcased how collective action fosters meaningful, measurable outcomes.

• WFF’s goal of creating 1,500 affordable housing units by 2027 reflects the power of coordinated efforts.
• ALT’s land trust model ensures that homes remain permanently affordable, protecting against market volatility.
• Habitat for Humanity and other organizations are embedding anti-displacement principles into development projects, ensuring that affordability benefits communities over the long term.

Addressing Displacement and Long-Term Affordability
“It’s about giving residents a choice to live within the neighborhood they’ve worked in, celebrating and strengthening it for the future.” Ashani O’Mard

Displacement remains a central challenge, especially in rapidly gentrifying areas. Panelists shared strategies to protect vulnerable residents. These approaches not only create affordable housing but also address the root causes of displacement by offering stability and fostering generational wealth.

• ALT focuses on providing affordable homeownership opportunities to legacy residents at risk of being priced out of their neighborhoods.
• ANDP’s wealth studies revealed that homeowners in their program generated an average of $135,000 in equity, offering stability and wealth-building opportunities that renting could not.
• Habitat for Humanity has built or preserved over 150 homes in English Avenue and Vine City, ensuring residents can stay in their communities.

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