County makes first investment into transitional housing apartments

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to invest millions into apartments that will serve as transitional homes for housing insecure families, many of which are currently living in extended stay motels.

Commissioners cast their votes on July 22 to approve the $8 million investment, which came from federal funding, required to secure 60 units within Park 500, located near Memorial Drive at Hambrick Road in Stone Mountain.

Officials stated the vote marks the county’s first direct investment and ownership interest in a transitional housing development.

“This is not just about housing — it’s about changing lives,” said DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “Park 500 delivers urgent relief to families in crisis and establishes a long-term model for how DeKalb County invests in people. This is how we build stronger communities — with vision, compassion, and action.”

Cochran-Johnson was joined by commissioners and members of the county’s Housing Authority to discuss the project at the Park 500 apartment complex on July 23.

“Through this initiative, we are laying the foundation not only for shelter, but for equity and economic mobility,” said Super District 7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton.

Along with offering fully renovated, fully furnished move-in ready one-, two-, and three-bedroom units at Park 500, county officials said wrap-around services will be available to families moving into the apartments, including case management, job support, healthcare access, and childcare coordination. These services will be provided through the Housing Authority of DeKalb County’s Residential Services Corporation subsidiary in partnership with other nonprofits, stated officials.

A decline nationally in access to affordable housing is having an effect close to home, said Cochran-Johnson. “More than 50 percent of renters in DeKalb County have indicated that they are in need of more affordability,” she said.

More than an estimated 100 families throughout DeKalb County are now living in motels due to these cost burdens, prompting the need for the first-ever rapid housing initiative, said Cochran-Johnson.

“We will be moving these families into Park 500 within a 60-to-90-day period,” said Cochran-Johnson. “Let me be clear, this is not temporary assistance; we are creating a long-term transformational investment in housing that will be available for years to come. The county is the investor, steward and owner of this project.”

DeKalb’s Community Development Department will manage resident intake and placement, which will be coordinated with local organizations and agencies.

To ensure long-term sustainability, DeKalb County officials said they will dedicate any positive cash flow to a dedicated reserve fund for unhousing support to include support services and subsidizing housing costs for housing insecure families.

“This is exactly the kind of people-centered investment that reflects the administration’s strategy on housing,” said Jacob Vallo, chief development officer for DeKalb County. “Park 500 sets the standard for a housing portfolio that prioritizes equity, dignity, financial sustainability and real impact.”

All 60 of the units at Park 500 are expected to be fully renovated and complete by December, according to a statement from county officials.

Potential residents seeking more information about Park 500 can contact DeKalb Community Development’s Coordinated Entry at 404-687-3500.