By Roosevelt Giles
I was born in Union, South Carolina, the son of a sharecropper and one of ten children. Growing up, education was a luxury—one afforded only when it rained, and the fields were too wet for cotton-picking. My early life was defined by scarcity, but also by resilience, community, and the enduring belief that each generation must leave the world better than they found it.
That belief has guided my journey, from my first job as a young programmer to founding a technology company headquartered in Atlanta. Along the way, I followed the advice of mentors who urged me to invest in real estate as a financial anchor—a means of providing economic stability during the inherently volatile early years of entrepreneurship.
Real estate became more than a financial tool. It became a platform for impact.
For the past several years, I have partnered with Atlanta Housing to dedicate a portion of my rental portfolio to families in need of affordable housing. This partnership has been among the most meaningful aspects of my work—not only as a landlord, but as a citizen of this city.
There is often a misconception that participating in affordable housing programs requires financial sacrifice or exposes property owners to risk. In my experience, the opposite is true.
Atlanta Housing brings predictability to an otherwise unpredictable environment. The program offers guaranteed rent, timely payments, and access to mediators and inspectors who support both landlords and tenants. These are services that, in the private rental market, owners would either pay for themselves or do without entirely.
Moreover, Atlanta Housing’s vetting process ensures alignment between tenant and landlord. Before entering into an agreement, landlords are able to meet prospective residents, visit their current homes, and establish clear expectations. The result is a stronger, more intentional partnership built on mutual respect.
Of course, no program is without its challenges. In every business—whether in real estate, technology, or international operations—there are obstacles. But the presence of a responsive partner like Atlanta Housing ensures that those challenges are navigable. In fact, the level of support provided far exceeds what landlords typically encounter in private arrangements.
The broader impact is equally important. I have had the privilege of witnessing families not only stabilize but thrive—children graduating from college, pursuing professional careers, and giving back to the community that once lifted them. I recall one young man in particular, a tenant’s son to whom I gave a lawnmower and trimmer so he could earn money during the summer. Today, he is charting a future for himself—and I see in him the same potential others once saw in me.
For landlords who remain uncertain, I offer this simple recommendation: if you own multiple properties, dedicate one to Atlanta Housing. Evaluate the experience for yourself. I believe you will find, as I did, that the benefits—economic, operational, and moral—are substantial.
In times of economic volatility, this partnership provides a reliable income stream. But more than that, it allows us to fulfill our obligation as business owners to contribute meaningfully to the communities we call home.
To me, home means security. It means dignity. It means the opportunity to build a better life. Through my work with Atlanta Housing, I am honored to help others access that same foundation.
And in doing so, I believe we make Atlanta stronger—together.
Want to learn more about the benefits of being an AH Landlord?
Attend the 2025 Atlanta Housing Landlord Symposium
Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
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