Atlanta’s Bowen Homes Neighborhood Gets a Boost with $40 Million Federal Grant
ATLANTA—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has just announced a monumental achievement for Atlanta’s Bowen Choice Neighborhood program. A resounding victory comes in the form of a $40 million federal grant, dedicated to the revitalization of the former Bowen Homes neighborhood and the surrounding areas. This transformative endeavor is a collaborative effort, backed by Atlanta Housing and the Dickens Administration, with crucial support from U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, along with Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05).
The formal application for HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods (CN) Implementation Grant was submitted in January of this year, aiming to breathe new life into the site and the surrounding community. The neighborhoods of Carey Park and a portion of Almond Park, along with the neighborhood-related segments of the Donald Lee Hollowell and James Jackson parkways, are also part of this ambitious revitalization initiative.
Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his excitement, recognizing the transformative impact the Bowen Choice Neighborhood will bring to Northwest Atlanta. The comprehensive project aims to create an inclusive and vibrant neighborhood, offering affordable homes and rejuvenating the community’s spirit. The Affordable Housing Strike Force and community members have diligently laid the groundwork for this funding, and their tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed.
The Bowen Homes neighborhood left abandoned for nearly 13 years, will see a resurgence with the support of this new grant. City Council Member Dustin Hillis acknowledged the hard work put in by community members, business owners, clergy, former Bowen Homes residents, and Atlanta Housing, along with the advocacy of the Biden Administration, Senators Warnock and Ossoff, and Congresswoman Williams.
With the revitalization plan set in motion, the City of Atlanta aims to construct over 2,000 rental and ownership units in the once-neglected area. Additionally, plans include the establishment of a Community Resources Center and Innovation Hub, offering affordable commercial space and job-training opportunities to Bowen Homes’ residents.
Sen. Ossoff expressed his gratitude to HUD Secretary Fudge for supporting Atlanta’s vision to expand the affordable housing supply and rejuvenate the Bowen Choice Neighborhood community. The profound impact of this investment on the lives of hardworking families across Georgia cannot be understated.
Senator Reverend Warnock, drawing from his personal experience growing up in public housing, emphasized the importance of increasing access to dignified and affordable accommodations. He firmly believes that this grant will positively transform lives and uplift hardworking families.
Congresswoman Nikema Williams, a passionate advocate for accessible housing, shared her personal journey and commitment to making quality, affordable housing available to all, regardless of ZIP Code or bank account. Her dedication to ensuring housing is a fundamental right is evident in her work in Congress.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods program is at the heart of this revitalization, offering the opportunity to create more mixed-income housing developments, implement physical neighborhood upgrades, and provide comprehensive social services in the area.
In conclusion, the $40 million federal grant marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for Atlanta’s Bowen Homes Neighborhood. With strong support from local leaders and the federal government, this ambitious revitalization endeavor promises to rejuvenate the community and create a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant neighborhood for all. Together, we are building a future where affordable housing, dignity, and security are within reach for everyone in Atlanta.
