Community, church leaders break ground on mixed-income housing development

Leadership and members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church were recently joined by DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and others to break ground on what officials said will be an affordable housing development with more than 300 units.

Construction on the project, called New Birth Village, is now ongoing on approximately 33 acres in Stonecrest. “The project will expand affordable housing and homeownership opportunities while creating pathways to long-term economic stability for DeKalb County families,” stated officials in a press release after a groundbreaking ceremony held during Juneteenth weekend.

New Birth Village is described as the first major project under Black Ground, New Birth’s community-centered economic empowerment initiative dedicated to advancing ownership, opportunity, and economic freedom, according to the church’s website. The initiative focuses on affordable housing, financial literacy, education, food security and voting rights.

“Home ownership is a cornerstone to generational wealth, and the church must be instrumental in economic development,” said Jamal Bryant, pastor of the church. “We are starting a revival of reconstruction.”

Cochran-Johnson said collaboration is key to attempting to tackle the affordable housing crisis in DeKalb County and beyond.

“As CEO, I have made it clear that housing remains one of DeKalb County’s highest priorities,” she said. “We know that safe, stable, and attainable housing creates stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger economy. That’s why we are committed to supporting innovative partnerships that expand housing options and create lasting opportunities for families across DeKalb County. With construction now underway, New Birth Village represents an important investment in the future of DeKalb County. The County congratulates Pastor Jamal Bryant, the New Birth congregation, development partners, and everyone whose vision and collaboration helped make this milestone possible.”

According to WSB-TV, the first phase will include 87 homes in 2027. New Birth Village is expected to be completed in 2029.