TURNER PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING INITIATIVE

That’s a great question—and it’s really important to understand the difference between supportive housing and temporary shelters or short-term solutions.

Permanent Supportive Housing (or PSH) is a long-term, proven approach to helping individuals and families who are experiencing chronic homelessness or ongoing housing instability. It combines affordable housing with wraparound support services that help people not only get back on their feet—but stay there.

Here’s what makes PSH different:

• It’s permanent – Residents aren’t on a time limit. As long as they follow basic lease agreements, this is their home for as long as they need it.
   
• It includes on-site support – That means access to case managers, mental health care, healthcare coordination, job training, and life skills support—all right where they live.
   
• It’s structured and stable – With on-site staff, property management, and often security, it creates a safe and supportive environment for residents and neighbors alike.
   
• It works – Research shows PSH not only helps reduce homelessness, but also lowers public costs (like emergency room visits and shelter stays) and improves health and quality of life for residents.
   

In short, PSH isn’t a shelter, and it’s not a stopgap. It’s a real solution—one that provides stability, dignity, and a fresh start for people who just need the right environment to move forward.

We're proud to bring this model to Kirkwood in a way that reflects the values of care, accountability, and community.

It’s a fair question—and one that comes up often when talking about supportive housing. Homelessness can seem overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to imagine what real help looks like. But the truth is, yes—housing absolutely helps. It’s one of the most proven, effective steps in helping people move from crisis to stability.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) works by giving people a stable, safe place to live, paired with the support services they need to stay housed and build a better future. Without that foundation, addressing things like health, trauma, employment, or recovery becomes nearly impossible.

And while it’s easy to picture homelessness through a lens of hopelessness or fear, we invite you to reimagine it. Homelessness is not an identity—it’s a temporary condition.

There are countless examples of people who once experienced homelessness and went on to lead powerful, impactful lives. Tyler Perry lived in his car before creating a film and entertainment empire. Steve Harvey, Tiffany Haddish, and Sylvester Stallone all faced homelessness at points in their lives—and now they inspire millions.

So instead of fearing that you might be living next to someone struggling or unstable, consider this: you could be living next to a future author, educator, entrepreneur—or even a future president. Everyone starts somewhere. The difference is whether they’re given the dignity and stability to move forward.

Supportive housing gives people that chance. It doesn’t guarantee a perfect outcome—but it creates the conditions where change is truly possible. Let’s move away from fear, and toward faith in what people can become. Let’s give our neighbors—past, present, and future—the opportunity to succeed. And let’s do it together.

You're not alone in wondering about safety—it’s a completely valid concern, and we want to talk about it openly.

The people who will live in this housing aren’t strangers to our community’s needs. They’re folks who’ve faced tough times—like housing loss or economic hardship—and are looking for a stable place to call home. They’re not coming here to cause problems—they’re coming here to find peace, stability, and support.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is built around that idea: it combines long-term housing with on-site services that help people stay housed, healthy, and connected. And the research backs this up—studies show that supportive housing does not increase crime rates. In fact, in many cases, it actually reduces issues associated with homelessness, like loitering or emergency service calls, because people have the stability they need to thrive.

This particular project will include professional property management, on-site staff, and supportive services to make sure everything runs smoothly—both for residents and for the neighborhood. Turner Monumental is committed to keeping the property safe, clean, and well-managed, and we’re partnering with experienced teams who know how to do this work well.

We’re not just building housing—we’re working to be a good neighbor, and we want this to be a positive, uplifting part of the Kirkwood community. Your safety matters, and so does creating a space where everyone can feel proud of what we’re building together.

We really appreciate this question, and we want to be clear and transparent about how this process works.

This housing is specifically designed to support individuals and families who are earning no more than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI)—which simply means it’s for people with very limited income who need help the most. These might be people who are currently unhoused, at risk of losing their housing, or who were once part of the Kirkwood community but were pushed out because of rising costs.

To make sure the process is fair, every applicant will go through a thorough and standardized screening. That includes:

• Income verification to make sure they qualify for this level of housing assistance
   
• Background checks and application reviews, following best practices used in supportive housing programs
   
• Compliance with fair housing laws, including Atlanta Fair Housing guidelines and any other requirements tied to the funding
   

We’re especially committed to making space for people with deep ties to Kirkwood—those who may have grown up here, raised families here, or have long-standing roots in the community but were displaced as the cost of living rose.

This isn’t a random or open-door process. It’s a structured, fair, and transparent approach—and it’s designed to make sure the people who truly need support have a chance to live with dignity and stability, right here in a community they already know and love.

That’s a completely fair concern—and it’s one we’ve heard in a lot of communities where affordable housing is being discussed. The good news is, decades of research tell a different story than many people expect.

When affordable housing is well-designed and well-managed—which is absolutely our goal—it does not lower nearby property values. In fact, many studies show it can actually have a positive effect on the surrounding neighborhood.

• A national review of more than 30 studies found that most affordable housing developments either have no impact or actually increase home values in the area.
   
• In Alexandria, Virginia—a city that did one of the most detailed studies to date—researchers found a statistically significant increase in home values near multifamily affordable housing.
   
• Other cities like New York, Cleveland, and Minneapolis have seen similar results—especially when housing replaces vacant lots or rundown buildings and blends well into the neighborhood.
   

Now, here’s something else to consider: When people don’t have access to stable housing, we often see the effects right in our public spaces. People sleeping on benches, gathering outside businesses, or living in encampments—not because they want to, but because they have nowhere else to go. That kind of visible homelessness can reduce neighborhood appeal and even make it harder to sell homes.

Supportive housing helps solve that problem in a responsible way. It gives people a safe place to live, connects them with services and support, and creates a stable environment that benefits not just residents—but the entire community.

We truly believe this can be a win for everyone—a project that meets a real need, strengthens the neighborhood, and reflects the values we all care about.

** [See the Case Studies section below to explore the full research and findings.]

We appreciate you asking this—and we want to approach it with honesty and care, because mental health is an important topic, and it touches every community, not just this one.

Here’s something to keep in mind: mental health conditions are incredibly common—across all neighborhoods, income levels, and walks of life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition each year. That means it’s very likely you already have neighbors, coworkers, friends, or family members who are living with things like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.

The difference is, people who are housed often have better access to things like therapy, medication, and support systems. They’re managing their mental health privately and often with stability—something many unhoused individuals simply don’t have.

That’s what supportive housing is really about: providing the kind of stable, consistent environment that helps people get the care and resources they need. Research shows that supportive housing leads to better health, fewer hospital visits, and stronger overall community outcomes.

Rather than being something to fear, this is an opportunity to be part of a healthier, more compassionate model—one where people are treated with dignity and given the tools they need to succeed. Mental health affects all of us. Creating a community where people are supported—not judged—makes life better for everyone.

We know density is a big topic in Kirkwood, and we’re taking it seriously. Right now, we’re still exploring what the final number of units should be—and part of that process includes listening to community feedback like yours.

At the same time, there are a few important realities we have to balance. The number of units plays a big role in whether the project can actually happen. Here’s why:

• The funding model relies on a mix of grants, loans, and rental income. If there aren’t enough units, the project may not qualify for funding—or it may not bring in enough income to cover construction and operational costs.
   
• More units also allow us to provide critical services for residents, like a full-time case manager, on-site support, and security—all of which are key to making this a well-run and successful development.
   
• Some funders have minimum requirements when it comes to density to make sure a project is viable in the long term.
   

Our goal isn’t to overcrowd the neighborhood—it’s to find the right balance. We want to create a development that truly addresses the housing need, while also being respectful of the neighborhood’s character and rhythm.

We’re committed to working with the community and taking your input seriously. We may not be able to meet every individual preference, but we are focused on finding a solution that is both responsible and sustainable—one that works for residents, for the church, and for Kirkwood as a whole.

That’s a fair and thoughtful question, and we really appreciate you raising it.

You're absolutely right—mixed-income housing can be a successful model, especially in areas where affordability is preserved through integration with market-rate units. But in this case, we chose 100% Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) because it addresses a very specific and urgent need in our neighborhood: chronic homelessness and deep housing instability among individuals and families with extremely low incomes—often earning less than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Mixed-income housing often doesn’t reach the people who are most at risk of being unhoused, because even the “affordable” units are out of reach for someone with no income or relying on disability benefits, Social Security, or limited fixed support. PSH is designed to fill that gap. It provides both the housing and the wraparound services people need to stabilize, heal, and rebuild their lives.

In addition:

• Funding sources for PSH are specific, and many require the project to meet targeted housing needs to be eligible—especially for those experiencing homelessness.
   
• PSH allows us to pair housing with on-site case management, health coordination, and other critical services that help residents stay housed long-term.
   
• We also have a deep sense of responsibility to serve those who’ve been displaced from this very neighborhood—many of whom aren’t looking for a market-rate apartment or even a deeply subsidized one. They need support, stability, and a community that welcomes them.
   

That said, your point is well taken—and there are certainly neighborhoods where mixed-income is the right fit. In this case, Turner Monumental made a mission-based decision to pursue a 100% PSH model to respond directly to what we’re seeing on our streets and in our city right now.

We’re doing everything we can to ensure the design and management of the project reflect care for both future residents and the existing neighborhood. And as always, we’re open to continued conversation—because we know this matters deeply to everyone involved.

We hear you—parking is one of the most common concerns we've received, and we truly appreciate everyone who has spoken up about it. While it’s true that some parts of Kirkwood feel stretched when it comes to street parking, the specific street where this project is located currently has very low parking use. That helps, but we know that doesn’t solve the bigger picture.

That’s why we’ve been looking at real data from similar housing projects across Atlanta. In a study of over 1,000 affordable units serving residents with lower incomes (around 30% of the Area Median Income), only about two residents across all those units owned cars. Most rely on public transit, walking, or biking—so their parking needs are very different than the average household.

That said, we know parking still matters—for staff, visitors, and the occasional resident who does drive. So this project will include six designated parking spaces for that purpose. And as we move forward, we’re committed to continuing the conversation and being thoughtful about how to keep parking manageable for everyone.

We also want to acknowledge something bigger: urban neighborhoods like Kirkwood naturally come with different parking dynamics than suburban areas. This project is about making the best use of limited land in a way that meets a real need, while still being mindful of the surrounding community.

We're not brushing parking concerns aside—we’re listening, learning, and working to find practical solutions together. Your feedback matters, and we want to keep hearing from you as we move ahead.

That’s a really fair question, and one we’ve heard from others too. Turner Monumental AME Church has owned this land for over 20 years, and as part of our commitment to serving the Kirkwood community, we wanted to use it in a way that meets a real need and makes a meaningful impact—while also helping sustain the church’s ministries and outreach efforts.

We had the option to sell the land to a private developer, and honestly, that would have been the easier route. But doing that would’ve meant giving up any say in what was built and how it would affect the neighborhood. And a private developer may not have the same love for Kirkwood or the same desire to create something that truly serves the community.

Instead, we chose a different path—a mission-driven project that reflects our values and creates affordable, stable housing for people who need it most. We know not everyone will agree on every detail, and that’s okay. That’s why we’re showing up to listen, to share, and to keep the conversation going.

As for the location—this is the land we have. We understand that some may wonder, “Why here?” But the reality is, this is where we’re rooted, and this is what we have to work with. What we can promise is that we’re doing everything we can to design something that fits Kirkwood, honors the community, and helps address a real and growing need.

We care deeply about this neighborhood—just like you do—and we’re committed to making this a project that everyone can be proud of.

Turner Monumental AME Church will continue to own the land and the building—we’re not handing it off to someone else. We’ll retain ownership through a ground lease, which means the church stays closely involved and accountable for the long haul.

Of course, we also know it’s important to have professionals handling the day-to-day work. So, Turner will bring in a trusted property management company with experience in supportive housing. They’ll take care of everything from:

• Keeping the property clean, safe, and well-maintained
   
• Making sure residents have access to the support services they need
   
• Managing leases, regulations, and community standards
   
• Providing security and maintaining a peaceful environment
   

By keeping ownership in the hands of the church and working with experienced partners, we’re making sure the project stays mission-focused, well-run, and a positive presence in the Kirkwood community for years to come. We want it to be something everyone can feel good about.

Great question—and an important one. We’re committed to making sure this development fits naturally into the fabric of the Kirkwood community. The goal is for it to feel like a seamless part of the neighborhood—so much so that if you were walking or driving by, you probably wouldn’t even know it’s supportive housing.

To help us get it right, we’re inviting community input through planning sessions and neighborhood meetings. We want to hear what matters most to you—what design elements feel right for Kirkwood, and what might feel out of place. While we may not be able to include every single detail, your feedback helps us focus on the things that matter most and make informed decisions together.

Our aim is to build something that’s residential in style, thoughtful in design, and respectful of the neighborhood’s character. We truly want this to be a development that not only meets a need—but also adds to the beauty and strength of the community around it

Thank you so much for sharing that. It’s completely understandable to feel uneasy when something new is happening in your neighborhood—especially when it involves people and places you care about.

This project isn’t about bringing in uncertainty—it’s about responding to something we’re already seeing in our city and even in our own community: folks who are struggling to find stable, affordable housing. Some are living in shelters, on benches, or moving from place to place. These aren’t strangers—they’re people who need a chance to get back on their feet.

In a lot of cities, the common approach has been to quietly move people out—as if rising prices and redevelopment will somehow make the problem disappear. But pushing people out doesn’t fix the issue—it just hides it. And that’s not who we are. We believe our community is stronger when we face challenges with compassion and work toward real solutions.

That’s exactly what supportive housing is designed to do. It’s safe, stable housing with on-site services and professional management to help residents succeed and be good neighbors. It’s not a quick fix—it’s a long-term investment in people and in the health of the community.

And we’re not going into this blindly. There’s solid research showing that well-managed affordable and supportive housing doesn’t lower property values. In fact, it can actually strengthen neighborhoods—by reducing visible homelessness, bringing stability, and creating a more inclusive place for everyone.

We’re committed to being open, transparent, and engaged every step of the way. We know people have questions, and that’s okay. Your voice matters in this process, and we want you to feel heard, informed, and part of the journey.

That’s an important question—and one we want to answer with clarity and respect.

Turner Monumental AME Church owns the land and is leading this project. The church has entered into a partnership with a trusted developer and consultant team to carry out a vision that aligns with our mission of service, justice, and compassion for our neighbors. The project is church-initiated, church-owned, and church-led.

We understand that anytime something new is being developed in a neighborhood—especially something as significant as housing—people have questions and concerns. And we welcome those. That’s why we’ve made the intentional choice to engage the community early in the process, to give neighbors an opportunity to share feedback on design, traffic, safety, and how the project will interact with the surrounding area.

That said, it’s also important to be clear: this is not a community-owned or community-controlled project. Just like when a daycare, a restaurant, or a small business opens in the neighborhood, the broader community is not invited to oversee the business plan, examine private finances, or dictate how partners manage their agreements. We are seeing expectations placed on the church and this project that are not applied to other developments or organizations—and we believe that’s not only unreasonable, but unfair.

We will, of course, abide by all city zoning and permitting requirements, just like any other property owner. We are committed to transparency where it is appropriate, and we are taking community input seriously—especially when it relates to traffic flow, design aesthetics, safety, and neighborhood integration. Those are reasonable and meaningful areas of dialogue, and we value them.

However, what we cannot and will not do is subject the church, our partners, or this project to unnecessary overreach, unwarranted scrutiny of internal matters, or attempts to take control of a process that has been thoughtfully and prayerfully led by those to whom the land belongs. Feedback is welcome. Oversight and control are not on the table.

Our goal is to be good neighbors—because what we build will impact the community, and because we care about that impact. But being good neighbors works both ways. We are offering space for input, but this is not a process of seeking permission. We remain committed to collaboration—but not at the cost of surrendering the church’s agency or responsibility for stewarding what God has placed in our care.

At this stage, there is no fixed or final timeline for the project. Our best estimate is that the supportive housing development could take approximately 4 to 5 years before it is fully completed and ready for occupancy. However, there are many steps between now and then that depend on regulatory processes, funding milestones, and design decisions that are still being developed.

As of now, we do not yet have set dates for zoning approvals, groundbreaking, or construction. Like any other property owner or developer, we will follow all required legal and municipal procedures—this includes public notice, zoning applications, permitting processes, and any necessary reviews by the appropriate city departments and boards.

This is a long-term process, and as more concrete milestones develop, we’ll continue to keep the community informed through our project website and additional communication. Thank you for your patience, your questions, and your willingness to walk with us as we move forward thoughtfully and responsibly.

It’s a great question—and an understandable one. In today’s world, we all have access to a wealth of information at our fingertips, and it’s true that with enough searching, you can find studies, articles, or data to support almost any perspective. Like in any college classroom, though, if we were to really dig into each piece of research, we’d need to look at how it was conducted, who funded it, what the local context was, what success was measured by, and whether it applies to our neighborhood and our goals. That level of analysis is important in academic settings, but in this context, it’s often not the most helpful or productive use of our collective energy.

What we don’t want to do is get stuck in a cycle of trying to “win” an argument through dueling studies. The goal here isn’t to prove someone wrong—it’s to find the common ground we all share and to move forward together with trust and care.

Here’s what we believe we can agree on:

• We all want people in need to have safe, stable places to live.
   
• We all want the project to be well-managed, well-designed, and low-impact for the neighborhood.
   
• We all want something that looks good, functions responsibly, and adds value to the broader community.
   

Rather than focusing our efforts on trying to prove this won’t work, we’re inviting the community to focus on how we can help it succeed—how we can collaborate in good faith, hold one another accountable to shared values, and build something that reflects both compassion and excellence.

No project comes with guarantees, but what we can promise is that the church is committed to doing this the right way—with transparency, thoughtful planning, and a real desire to create something that uplifts everyone involved. Let’s work together from that starting point.

We understand that not everyone will agree with this project or see the issue of housing and homelessness the same way. Some may have deep concerns or be firmly opposed, regardless of how the details unfold. We respect your right to hold that opinion.

That said, this project is being led and owned by Turner Monumental AME Church on land the church has held for decades. Like any other property owner, we are working through the appropriate city channels, including zoning, permitting, and public engagement processes. We will meet every legal obligation required of us—and, in many ways, we’ve gone above and beyond by proactively inviting community input early on.

While disagreement is expected in any community conversation, we ask that it be expressed respectfully—without misinformation, harmful speculation, or efforts to derail thoughtful discussion. Just as we are working to be good neighbors by listening and engaging, we hope that others will extend the same courtesy by allowing space for honest differences without attempting to silence or misrepresent the effort.

This is not about forcing agreement—it’s about allowing the process to play out fairly, as it would for any other owner or organization working on a project in the neighborhood. We’re committed to transparency, civility, and doing what we believe is right—not just for Turner Monumental, but for the wider community we’re proud to be part of.

Thank you so much—your support means a great deal to us, and we truly welcome your desire to be part of making this project a success.

Here are a few ways you can get involved right now:

• Share this website with neighbors, friends, and others in the community so they can access accurate, up-to-date information about the project.
   
• Join our email list to stay informed about upcoming meetings, progress updates, and opportunities to engage.
   
• Email us at feedback@turnermonumental.org to let us know you’d like to be added to our “Friends of Turner” list. This helps us keep in touch and include you in future efforts to support and advocate for the project.
   

We truly believe this is a community-building opportunity, and your voice, encouragement, and presence matter. Thank you for standing with us—we look forward to working together to bring something meaningful and lasting to the neighborhood.