“It’s a blessing” says mom of four living in new affordable housing in south Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - New affordable housing is now available to families in need in South Atlanta.

Haven at South Atlanta is officially opening to the public. Elyse Logan calls her new home a blessing.

“I didn’t have enough job experience, or I wasn’t at my job long enough, or I wasn’t making enough money,” said Logan.

She and her four kids spent months searching for a place they could afford.

“We were in and out. We were staying with friends, family, and hotels. And when I couldn’t afford either, probably like once or twice we were staying in my car,” said Logan.

The 84-unit mixed-income residential community for families is just ten minutes from downtown Atlanta. Of the 84 units, 71 are income-restricted for residents earning 50-60% of the area median income.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens wants to build 20,000 affordable housing units by 2026.

“To have quality, safe affordable housing. That’s what we’re looking at here today,” said Mayor Dickens during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday afternoon.

One year into his tenure as mayor, Dickens is about 10 percent there with 2,000 units built.

Rent prices in the metro have been climbing dramatically year over year. In fact, they’re up 37 percent from just a year ago. According to Apartments.com – the average two-bedroom unit is priced at just over $12,000 a month.

Logan says it was her kids that kept her laser-focused on finding a suitable place to call home.

“It just makes me feel so good that I can make my children proud,” said Logan.

Pennrose, the company that built Haven in South Atlanta says they have plans for more affordable housing, including single-family homes here in South Atlanta.

You can visit their website here for more information about income qualifications and other housing needs.

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