Partnership is part of an effort to promote affordable homeownership among Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations
City of Refuge and GROWTH Homes are pleased to announce the completion of five newly constructed, single-family homes in Atlanta’s historic Westside neighborhood, a significant step in addressing the need for affordable homeownership options in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.
Located directly adjacent to City of Refuge’s campus on Joseph E. Boone Blvd., these five distinct and separate homes represent a collaborative effort to provide pathways to homeownership for low-to-moderate-income families and individuals in the community. The project, which broke ground on May 10, 2023, is the result of a partnership between City of Refuge and GROWTH Homes, aiming to bolster the availability of affordable housing options for legacy residents.
“While Atlanta’s Westside continues to breed growth and innovation, we want to make sure those who have long invested in this community have an opportunity to deepen their roots through homeownership. GROWTH Homes and City of Refuge are united in the pursuit of expanding affordable housing options for individuals and families who need them most,” said Bruce Deel, City of Refuge founder and CEO. “Through the delivery of these five homes, we are building a bridge to independence, stability and equity for our city’s most vulnerable. Some of these future homeowners will be residents currently living on City of Refuge’s campus, so to see them take that step is a true display of our mission at work.”
The development of these homes marks the third affordable housing project undertaken by City of Refuge, following the successful completion of “The 345,” a 31-unit community for men on the Westside, in March 2023, and “The 1300,” the organization’s inaugural affordable rental community, in summer 2020.
Meanwhile, GROWTH Homes has focused on the development of affordable homes in or for low- to moderate-income communities and communities of color. The company empowers homebuyers to build stable lives and vibrant neighborhoods, lifting communities up through mixed-income housing and greater diversity.
“We are honored to contribute to City of Refuge’s impactful mission through the construction of these five homes, knowing they will put affordable homeownership within reach of historically underserved homebuyers,” said Ed Gorman, GROWTH Homes Managing Director. “Collaboration with our banking partners, often through Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) investments, empowers us to work with organizations like City of Refuge, addressing the needs of Atlanta’s most vulnerable communities. This project is part of our broader pledge to build 1,000 homes in concert with the City of Atlanta, and we take pride in the fact that this joint effort with City of Refuge is an important part of that commitment.”
About City of Refuge:
City of Refuge was founded in 1997 with the mission to transform the lives of individuals and communities in Atlanta and beyond. Today, the organization resides in a warehouse that was graciously donated in the 30314 neighborhood, one of the poorest and most crime-ridden areas in the nation. Since inhabiting the “Where Good Works” center, City of Refuge has helped over 35,000 people across the country and internationally. The organization has created several programs designed to provide an impact in areas such as: housing, youth development, health & wellness, and vocation. City of Refuge is a leader in the business of social transformation and continuously works to empower and equip individuals with the tools to succeed. To learn more about City of Refuge, visit cityofrefugeatl.org or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About GROWTH Homes:
GROWTH Homes creates pathways to homeownership for low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and families while improving property values for LMI communities. The company believes homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream and that every family should be able to own a home and enjoy the financial benefits that homeownership provides. GROWTH has three main objectives: 1) Increase the availability of affordable homes in low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods and for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families; 2) Provide financial counseling to qualified homebuyers; 3) Create construction jobs and economic opportunities within those neighborhoods. GROWTH’s goal is to help reverse the long-term effects of income disparity and lack of access to better, mixed-income neighborhoods. Homeownership is a bridge to building wealth, but too many segments of our population do not have access to this bridge. Learn more at www.growthbyncrc.com.
