Dozens of families received the gift of safe, stable housing this holiday season thanks to a new DeKalb County transitional housing program.
About 60 families who had been living in extended stay hotels across the county have moved into Park 500, which is the county’s first transitional housing program designed to help families facing housing insecurity.
The apartment complex is located near Memorial Drive at Hambrick Road in Stone Mountain. The homes are fully renovated, fully furnished move-in ready one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. In mid-December, the apartment admission process began for families, so that they could be welcomed into their homes in the holiday season.
“In just 10 days, we were able to get these apartments ready, applications through, Christmas gifts supplied, leases signed, and families moved in,” said Sue Sullivan, regional property manager for Park 500. “I am exhausted, but content knowing that these families are in a safe home of their own, where they can rebuild their lives, where their children can play outdoors like kids.”
In July, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved the $8 million investment required to secure 60 units within the Stone Mountain apartment complex. The project marks a shift in DeKalb’s approach to housing and social support, representing DeKalb County’s first direct investment and ownership interest in a transitional housing development.
Initial research showed that more than 100 families were living in just two extended stay motels in DeKalb County — many for months or even years. In addition to housing, families at Park 500 will receive access to supportive services, including case management, employment assistance, healthcare coordination, and resources designed to help families achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
“This project reflects our belief that housing is foundational,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “When families have stability, children can thrive, parents can focus on work and wellness, and communities grow stronger. Park 500 is about restoring hope and providing families with a real opportunity to move forward.”