Mixed-income housing is the foundation of a thriving neighborhood. FCS creates home buying and rental opportunities for residents across the income spectrum. As with everything we do, relationships and partnerships are essential to making sure we can do this work sustainably and in an equitable way. Today, we want to introduce you to a few of the partners and coalitions the Housing Team works with to keep building neighborhoods that are full of opportunity, access, and belonging.
#1 Fortas Homes
Since 2010, FCS has partnered with Fortas Homes to build affordable, high-quality housing in South Atlanta. Fortas, led by Jim Cheeks, specializes in smaller homes, such as 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom units, which are both cost-effective and energy-efficient. This collaboration addresses the need for affordable homeownership and aligns with demographic trends favoring smaller households. By focusing on “gentle density” through structures like Accessory Dwelling Units, FCS and Fortas are able to create more housing opportunities without the need for additional land, fostering community growth and stability. “Every time we partner with FCS, we know we’re helping to build a neighborhood,” says Cheeks.
Invest Atlanta advances Atlanta’s global competitiveness by growing a strong economy, building vibrant communities, and increasing economic prosperity for all Atlantans. Their partnership with FCS has been instrumental in making sure we can offer rentals affordable to neighbors across the income spectrum. Their generous funding in initiatives like the Rotational Capital Fund and Haven at South Atlanta has accelerated our ability to create a balanced, healthy housing stock to make sure a variety of neighbors can put down roots.
FCS is proud to partner with the Georgia Aquarium as part of our stress-free initiative! The Aquarium generously offers free admission for one family living in an FCS home each month. By staying in close relationship with residents, the FCS team makes sure each family gets an opportunity to visit this world-class aquarium in term. Every time a family goes, they come back full of smiles and memories!
NeighborWorks offers case management to aspiring home buyers. A HUD approved education provider, they offer training around budgeting, saving, escrow, and more. Through their 8 hour course, they ensure that neighbors are prepared for homeownership and have access to supports like Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs!
“My mentor has explained the entire home buying process and my financial pathway. It’s been so much easier to figure out with her guidance,” says Mpho Gwabeni.
#5 HouseATL
This conglomerate of housing organizations holds monthly meetings and events for members. They address housing affordability in Atlanta, focusing on cost of living and quality of life through the actions of policymakers, businesses, and residents. The FCS team is proud to participate in ongoing HouseATL gatherings, discussions, and initiatives. We are grateful for the ways they have consistently championed and informed the work of FCS!
#6 LA Properties
Owned and operated by South Atlanta neighbor Lolita Anderson, LA Properties helps clients find homes and neighborhoods to reduce vacancy. Lolita is a powerhouse in the area, with over 10 years in the multi-family apartment industry in corporate relations, property management, leasing management, tenant referrals, and more.
#7 Atlanta Housing
Atlanta Housing offers landlord symposiums, along with property managers who can provide site visits. They’re a partner who shares our passion for removing obstacles for neighbors to experience healthy homeownership and thriving neighborhoods.
This fun and dynamic partner is part of our stress-free initiative, offering a unique and gooey activity for families and children. At the museum, they get to play with sensory toys, relax, and have fun together. Throughout our two-year partnership, Sloomoo provides 16 tickets annually for our housing team to distribute, ensuring everyone can get in on the slime-time fun!
We’re Grateful for Our Partners!
We’re thankful for these partners who come alongside FCS and neighbors to create mixed-income housing opportunities. With their support, we’re building not just houses, but thriving communities where every neighbor has the opportunity to flourish. Together, we’re creating pathways for access, opportunity, and belonging. Here’s to the power of collaboration and the impact we can make, hand in hand!
