Research & Innovations

Atlanta Housing (AH) has launched two new programs aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for low-income households. 

At AH's 2026 State of Atlanta Housing event, the PHA announced a new initiative providing up to $60,000 in down payment assistance for eligible participants in its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), more than doubling the previous maximum of $25,000. AH also announced a new partnership between Atlanta Housing (AH) and Pretium designed to create a complete and more achievable pathway to homeownership for HCVP families.

Together, these efforts combine significant financial assistance, access to quality homes and personalized homebuyer support to help families successfully transition from subsidized housing to homeownership within the City of Atlanta. Through the Pretium partnership, eligible families can pursue the purchase of single-family homes sold by Pretium while also receiving tailored education and financial guidance to navigate the process with confidence. 

“Atlanta Housing remains focused on our vision to use housing as a foundation to lift families to economic freedom,” said Terri M. Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing. “This new partnership reflects the kind of public-private collaboration we believe is essential to close the gap between housing stability and economic opportunity. We are grateful for Pretium’s willingness to partner with Atlanta Housing to help remove barriers to homeownership for our families.” 

“Our new $60,000 down payment assistance program is about turning readiness into reality. These families are stable, working, and ready for the next step. Today, we are making our most significant investment in down payment assistance yet. As we help one family move forward, we also free up space for another,” Lee added. 

“Pretium has long served Housing Choice Voucher families in Atlanta, and we are proud to help create a pathway for those same residents to become homeowners,” said Tatiana Gutierrez, Head of Corporate Impact at Pretium. “This partnership demonstrates how public-private partnerships expand access to homeownership while bringing capital to preserve safe, quality, affordable housing stock for local rental markets. We look forward to working with Atlanta Housing to continue supporting families on their paths to homeownership.”  

At the center of the new partnership initiative is a coordinated approach that pairs financial support with housing access and long-term stability investments. Pretium will offer single-family homes within the city priced at or below $375,000 for participating families and provide a seller subsidy of up to $10,000 per transaction based on lease tenure. The company will also fund and complete, with its affiliate Progress Residential, up to $15,000 in property renovations for each home, as needed, and offer one year of post-purchase repair, maintenance and homeowner-stability support to help ensure long-term success. 

Beyond the transaction itself, the partnership also introduces workforce development opportunities tied to Atlanta’s housing ecosystem. These pathways will support careers in property management, maintenance, construction and administrative services, helping families build not only equity through homeownership but also long-term income stability. 

The pilot builds on Atlanta Housing’s existing homeownership program, which has provided up to $25,000 in down payment assistance and other supports to help families pursue ownership. When a participating HCVP family transitions to homeownership through the pilot, Pretium will coordinate with Atlanta Housing to make the vacated home, or an alternative home, available for another eligible voucher holder creating a cycle of opportunity that expands access across the system. 

While homeownership remains one of the clearest pathways to long-term stability and economic independence, many Atlanta families continue to face barriers including limited affordable inventory, high upfront costs and the complexity of preparing for and sustaining a mortgage. This initiative is designed to directly address those challenges. 

To further strengthen outcomes, an Atlanta-based mortgage partner will deliver HUD-approved homebuyer education and individualized mortgage-readiness assessments to prepare families for sustainable homeownership. The lender will also assist buyers in identifying supplemental down-payment or closing-cost resources to maximize purchasing power and long-term success. 

This new partnership is another innovation in Atlanta Housing’s broader Resident Renaissance initiative, a resident-centered strategy to help families move from housing stability to economic mobility and long-term independence. Resident Renaissance is powered by Atlanta Housing’s continued work with the private sector to build a more complete ecosystem of support for residents. By aligning housing, workforce development, transportation and other life-building resources, Atlanta Housing is creating stronger pathways for families to thrive. 

From the DC Housing Authority's press release:

On April 28, Park Morton Apartments received the 2026 Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from ULI Washington, the local arm of the national nonprofit Urban Land Institute.

The award recognizes Phase 1 of the multi-phase redevelopment of the former Park Morton public housing community, a project led by a private-public partnership of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), nonprofit The Community Builders (TCB), and Dantes Partners.

“ULI Washington’s recognition of Park Morton Apartments highlights the impact of thoughtful public investment and strong partnerships. This project delivers affordable housing, supports resident opportunity, and advances the District’s vision for inclusive neighborhood growth,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert.

Located at 610 Park Road NW in the Park View neighborhood, the 142-unit Park Morton Apartments is a fully affordable multifamily building that includes 40 replacement units for returning Park Morton residents. DCHA, TCB and Dantes Partners are co-developers of the site, which originally consisted of 12 garden-style apartment buildings.

“Park Morton Apartments has created high-quality affordable housing and shared community spaces in a thriving, opportunity-rich neighborhood that offers access to transportation and other amenities that support resident empowerment,” said Nicole Wickliffe, Interim Executive Director of DCHA. “Thank you to our Park Morton residents for your commitment and passion for your community, and to all of our partners for working together to bring our collective vision to life. The ULI Washington award recognizes what can be accomplished when residents’ voices are prioritized.”

The newly constructed midrise building offers studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a four-bedroom apartment, and includes units with accessible features for persons with disabilities. The modern rental property is available to tenants earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Unit features include simulated hardwood flooring, balconies, dishwashers and in-unit washers and dryers. Community amenities include a parking garage, fitness center, rooftop lounge, two courtyards, a “Kids Hub” lounge, a “Tech Hub” coworking space, a resident lounge and covered bike storage.

“Park Morton Apartments demonstrates what’s possible when the District, nonprofit developers, and private partners work together with residents at the center,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “This award from ULI Washington recognizes a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, deeply affordable housing while honoring the Park View community and creating a foundation for long-term opportunity. We’re proud of this milestone and grateful to our partners for their leadership and collaboration.”

“Park Morton Apartments represents the best of what the District of Columbia can be in providing affordable and workforce housing,” said Buwa Binitie, Founder and CEO of Dantes Partners. “We look forward to on-going collaboration between the District, private development partners and residents to ensure the creation and on-going viability of much-needed affordable housing communities such as this one.”

The five-story multifamily rental property is the first on-site building delivered under the New Communities Initiative (NCI), a District government program that creates vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. It also marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Park Morton Redevelopment Plan.

Future phases will include the construction of 47 townhomes, with 17 rental replacement units and 30 homeownership units; and 250 off-site rental apartments, including 90 replacement units, located less than a quarter mile away at the former Bruce Monroe School.

From the King County Housing Authority's press release: 

King County Housing Authority (KCHA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative, a strategic partnership to strengthen opportunities for young people ages 14-19 growing up in KCHA communities in Auburn, Kent, and Shoreline.  

The $800,000 investment for the first year will implement proven programs that build belonging and community stability for all young people, including those impacted by trauma or other life challenges. Programs and interventions will focus on positive youth development approaches that prevent violence, foster connection and opportunity, and create safer, more supportive environments where young people can thrive. 

The Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative builds on the strong youth programming already in place across multiple KCHA communities. The initiative is designed to add to existing out-of-school time programs, bringing in additional resources and staff who will build trusting relationships with young people, strengthening the overall support system so more of our youth can thrive. 

KCHA received an overwhelming response to this Request for Proposal (RFP) and appreciates the many qualified organizations that applied, which shows just how committed this region is to supporting our youth. 

Partnerships

Following a robust application review process, KCHA is announcing new awards and partnerships under the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative to two community-based organizations: CHOOSE180 and Northwest Credible Messenger.  

CHOOSE 180, a community-based organization with over a decade of experience serving system-impacted youth across King County, will partner with KCHA to serve youth living at Ballinger Homes in Shoreline. Their intervention-focused, credible-messenger model meets youth where they are, within housing communities, schools, and community spaces, through proactive outreach, structured group programming, and individualized mentorship. Grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, this approach emphasizes relationship-building, accountability, and skill development to reduce conflict, strengthen connections to trusted adults, and support safer community environments. 

Northwest Credible Messenger will partner with KCHA to serve youth living at targeted housing communities located in Kent and Auburn, delivering healing-centered, place-based programming for youth impacted by community violence. Using a peer credible-messenger model, the organization provides proactive outreach, rotating group sessions, voluntary one-on-one mentorship, and restorative supports that foster safety, trust, and connection to caring adults. This flexible, relationship-driven program is led by staff with lived experience and strong community connections, grounded in healing-centered and evidence-informed practices, and designed to engage youth often disconnected from traditional services while strengthening coordination across KCHA communities.   

What People Are Saying 

“Young people growing up in our neighborhoods deserve to feel safe, supported, and connected to opportunity. Stable housing is the foundation, and partnerships with community organizations bring relationships, tools, and resources that create the conditions for young people to thrive. We’re excited to launch the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative with Choose 180 and Northwest Credible Messenger to make our communities even stronger and give our young people a brighter future.” – Robin Walls, President and CEO, King County Housing Authority 

“KCHA is making a meaningful investment directly into the communities they are embedded within and that alignment matters deeply to us at CHOOSE 180. We believe that when communities invest in our youth early, we create stronger neighborhoods for everyone. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building upstream and intervention-based approaches that strengthen belonging, deepen community connection and create meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive.” –Nneka Payne, M.Ed, Chief Executive Officer, CHOOSE 180   

“At Northwest Credible Messenger, we believe true youth safety begins with healing, connection, and opportunity. The KCHA Youth Safety and Belonging initiative represents an important investment in place-based services and supports that meet young people where they are, honor their lived experiences, and strengthen the communities surrounding them. When we center Healing-Centered Engagement and trust community leadership, we co-create pathways with young people and families to live out their aspirations to the fullest.” – Dr. Jason J. Clark, Director, Northwest Credible Messenger 

"True safety is more than crime prevention, especially for our South King County youth. Safety is about looking after each other, developing social and emotional support systems, and building community right here in Auburn and across the region. This new initiative reflects an approach Auburn has embraced for nearly a decade — pairing compassion with accountability and strong community connections to foster belonging, prevent violence, and support our young residents." – Nancy Backus, Mayor of Auburn

“In Kent, we know that when young people feel safe, supported, and connected, our whole community is stronger. Our partnership with KCHA and our shared support for young people ensures that Kent remains a place where every family can thrive. Stable housing, early intervention, and creating opportunities for youth to feel seen and valued are essential to public safety and can inspire young people to reach their full potential.” – Dana Ralph, Mayor of Kent 

“When we invest in youth well-being, we strengthen the future of our entire community. Shoreline’s partnership with KCHA brings together government, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to meet people where they are, collaborate to create pathways to opportunity, and empower our youth and families to become leaders.” – Betsy Robertson, Mayor of Shoreline