For 125 years, Hope Atlanta has been a beacon of support for our neighbors in need, including those experiencing homelessness. While housing-first strategies are often debated in policy circles, the true measure of their success lies in the lives they transform. But let’s be clear—housing-first is not just about putting people into homes. It’s about […]
Category: Thought Leadership
Posted inSustainable Communities
Status of Eviction Courts: Updates from Metro Atlanta’s Magistrate Judges
Eviction courts play a critical role in Metro Atlanta’s housing landscape, affecting families, landlords, and community stability. At Star-C’s recent February Breakfast, the chief magistrate judges from Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties provided updates on caseloads, court operations, and support programs. Key Updates: Looking Ahead As courts navigate eviction-related challenges, funding, staffing, and […]
Posted inGlobal Health & Development
Jerome Bettis, “The Bus,” Stops at the Big Game for Heart Health
By Toni Perling Pro football legend Jerome Bettis, the former running back better known as “The Bus,” brought a heart health message to the big game in New Orleans on behalf of the CDC Foundation and the cardiovascular health initiative Live to the Beat. Bettis spoke to several of the media outlets gathered there for […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
February Summit Recap: A Year of Impact – Celebrating Leadership, Progress, and the Future of Atlanta Housing with Terri Lee
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 […]
Posted inSustainable Communities
MARCH 13 HOUSING FORUM: Regional Action on Affordable Housing Development
Is the dream of homeownership out of reach? Nearly every state and city in the nation faces the triple threat of all-time high home sale prices, soaring mortgage interest rates, and a persistent lack of supply. Equally troubling, rental housing is unaffordable for half of the nation’s renters, preventing low- and moderate-income families from saving adequate cash for a […]
Posted inGlobal Health & Development
From Bystanders to Lifesavers: Why CPR Training Must Be the New Normal
February is American Heart Month—a time when we’re reminded that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. But beyond prevention, there’s a crucial conversation we must amplify: preparedness. The ability to recognize and respond to a cardiac emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Yet, the vast majority of […]
Posted inPeople, Places & Parks, Thought Leadership
Statewide Birding Trail Takes Flight in 2025
By Jared Teutsch, Executive Director Next year, in 2026, Birds Georgia will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of our founding in 1926 as the Atlanta Bird Club making us Georgia’s oldest, continually operating conservation organization. In the century since our founding, Birds Georgia has experienced a steady trajectory of growth as we work to build places […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
Black History Month: Pathways to Progress – The History of Cameron M. Alexander Blvd
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 […]
Posted inSecuring Atlanta's Future
“As Long as We Keep Showing Up.” GEEARS’ Eighth Annual Strolling Thunder
“There are so many opportunities to lighten the load on young families, but I’m asking you to prioritize investing in TANF and consider enacting a state tax credit to help families make ends meet. I dream of a community where parents can be fully present with their families, not split in two as many of […]
Posted inPhilanthropy
The Black History of Giving in Atlanta
By Candice Jordan, Chief Development Officer, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Atlanta’s history is Black history. Rich with stories of resilience, perseverance and opportunity, Atlanta is a mecca of Black leaders, pioneers, and entrepreneurs inextricably sewn into the fabric of our city. Atlanta’s Black leaders have been at the center of human rights movements, innovation, and […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
Black History Month: Pathways to Progress – The History of Joseph E. Boone Blvd
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 […]
Posted inHigher Education
Rollins Family Honors Roots with $20 Million Gift for Theological Education
A recent gift to Emory’s Candler School of Theology can be traced to rural North Georgia a century ago. O. Wayne Rollins sat in the pews, sang from the songbooks, and took communion at Smith Chapel United Methodist Church near Ringgold—the church where his parents and grandparents were founding members. An expression of their faith, […]
Posted inPeople, Places & Parks
Conference veteran or just Conference-curious? Park Pride’s March Conference promises to be best one yet!
By Hannah E. Jones, Park Pride’s Marketing & Communications Manager Greenspace experts, thought leaders, advocates and passionate community members gather to discuss the important role that parks play in our lives, share best practices, brainstorm solutions and learn from one another, all with a backdrop of the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s vibrant tulips in full bloom. […]
Posted inSecuring Atlanta's Future
The Science of Reading: Scaling Beyond the Classroom
By Yolanda Marroquin Far too many children in Georgia struggle with reading, with only 30% of fourth graders reading at or above grade level. The Georgia Early Literacy Act (House Bill 538), enacted in 2023, seeks to change that by aligning reading instruction in schools with the science of reading—a research-backed approach that strengthens foundational […]
Posted inPoverty & Equity
One Payroll Away: The High-Stakes Fight for Nonprofits
By Julio Carrillo, CEO of Hope Atlanta What Happens If the Safety Net Disappears? For decades, I’ve dedicated my career to leading and strengthening nonprofit organizations. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when mission-driven organizations are financially vulnerable—when they lack the resources to pivot in a crisis, the reserves to withstand funding shifts, or the independence […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
Black History Month: Pathways to Progress – The History of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway
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 […]
Posted inPhilanthropy
Atlanta Habitat CEO reflects on Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
In this video, Atlanta Habitat President & CEO Rosalyn Merrick recounts her experience attending the funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Washington, D.C. with Atlanta Habitat’s 1,000th homeowner, Linnette. Highlights include: This is sponsored content.
Posted inPeople, Places & Parks
A Vision Connecting Westside Residents to New Beltline Parks
We’re witnessing a transformative moment for Atlanta’s Westside as several major initiatives come together to create lasting positive change in our communities. Through our Advancing the Vision campaign, generous donors are supporting the creation of two new parks along the Atlanta Beltline’s Westside corridor while ensuring current residents are able to enjoy the benefits these […]
Posted inCorporate Community Impact
Volunteering During Times of Change
By Cheryl Kortemeier, Executive Director, Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta It is only February, but 2025 has been quite a year. Between political shifts, extreme winter weather, and the spread of Bird Flu, uncertainty feels like the only constant. In times of change, volunteering provides purpose, stability, and unity. Working toward a common goal with […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
Black History Month: Pathways to Progress – The History of James P. Brawley Drive
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 […]
