Focused Community Strategies and South Atlanta
Focused Community Strategies (FCS), an Atlanta, Georgia faith-based organization, had worked in community development for decades when the South Atlanta Civic League invited the organization in 2000 to apply its community development model to its historic neighborhood. With the community at the helm driving discussion and decision-making, FCS has worked to transform South Atlanta into a thriving community offering mixed-used and affordable housing; improved economic and educational opportunities; and a commitment to health, wellness, and safety. FCS is now aligned with Purpose Built Communities, sharing its experiences and challenges with the wider network.
Flourishing Neighborhood Index
To center the voice of the residents in meaningful ways, FCS, through its Lupton Institute, developed the Flourishing Neighborhood Index that is tabulated from surveys collected by community members about the strengths and opportunities for growth. Surveys are designed to gather data that reflect the social indicators, structural indicators, and economic indicators as reflected on this graphic. In 2022, six South Atlanta neighbors completed 188 surveys that underscored the “sense of place” in this historic neighborhood. The surveys also indicated that the community wanted more access to housing, protection for legacy residents to stay rooted; and more local businesses taking root.
Carver Market
Working in South Atlanta since 2001, FCS understood that solving the issue of food access for South Atlantans was critical to returning health and vitality to the community. Unable to lure a large grocery store to the community, FCS took a different route in 2015 by opening its own grocery store attached to Community Grounds, a coffee shop and community convening space. Carver Market provides groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables, at competitive prices to more than 300 customers daily. The Market and Community Grounds also provide employment at a fair wage for more than 20 South Atlanta residents.
In 2021, Atlanta artist George F. Baker created this vibrant mural of fruits and vegetables as part of the Atlanta Beltline Façade Partnership. The mural contributes to the vibrancy and revitalization of South Atlanta.
South Atlanta Housing
FCS has developed 40 single-family rental homes and has renovated or constructed more than 200 homes since it began its work in South Atlanta. Neighborhood home ownership has moved from 10% to 60% with 30% of homes owned by people below 80% of the area medium income (AMI). FCS has been able to achieve such impact by buying land over time and by using a diverse array of development and financial strategies.
FCS has also been able to develop 84 apartment homes, of which 71 are available to families who earn between 50% to 60% of AMI.
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
South Atlanta Housing
Photographs courtesy of Focused Community Strategies