City of Refuge’s Bruce Deel cuts the ribbon at one of the new homes on the Westside. (Courtesy City of Refuge)

City of Refuge and GROWTH Homes have completed five new, single-family homes in Atlanta’s historic Westside neighborhood. These new builds mark a step in addressing the need for affordable homeownership options in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.

Located directly adjacent to City of Refuge’s campus on Joseph E. Boone Blvd., the project, which broke ground on May 10, 2023, is the result of a partnership between City of Refuge and GROWTH Homes, aiming to bolster the availability of affordable housing options for legacy residents.

“GROWTH Homes and City of Refuge are united in the pursuit of expanding affordable housing options for individuals and families who need them most,” said Bruce Deel, City of Refuge founder and CEO. “Through the delivery of these five homes, we are building a bridge to independence, stability and equity for our city’s most vulnerable. Some of these future homeowners will be residents currently living on City of Refuge’s campus, so to see them take that step is a true display of our mission at work.” 

The development of these homes marks the third affordable housing project undertaken by City of Refuge, following the successful completion of “The 345,” a 31-unit community for men on the Westside, in March 2023, and “The 1300,” the organization’s inaugural affordable rental community, in summer 2020.

GROWTH Homes has focused on the development of affordable homes in or for low- to moderate-income communities and communities of color. The company empowers homebuyers to build stable lives and vibrant neighborhoods, lifting communities up through mixed-income housing and greater diversity.

Rough Draft Atlanta is the digital home of Reporter Newspapers and Atlanta Intown.