DeKalb BOC approves $8M investment in Park 500, launching landmark Transitional Housing Project

DECATUR, GA– In a bold and unanimous vote, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved the $8 million investment required to secure 60 units within Park 500 —that will serve unhoused and housing insecure families, many of which are currently living in extended stay motels throughout the County. 

The project marks a historic moment in DeKalb’s approach to housing and social support, representing the County’s first direct investment and ownership interest in a transitional housing development. With approval now secured, families could begin moving in December around the holiday season.

“This is not just about housing — it’s about changing lives,” said DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “Park 500 delivers urgent relief to families in crisis and establishes a long-term model for how DeKalb County invests in people. This is how we build stronger communities — with vision, compassion, and action.”

Located near Memorial Drive at Hambrick Road in Stone Mountain, Park 500 will feature fully renovated, fully furnished move-in ready one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that are ideal for families, many with young children, currently relying on extended stay hotels as their only form of shelter. MARTA bus stops for the 117 and the 121 buses are within one half mile of the property. 

Initial research shows that more than 100 families are living in just two extended stay motels in DeKalb County — many for months or even years. The approval of Park 500 will immediately ease that burden and offer a new path forward for those in need.

“There is no shortage of need,” said Sue Sullivan, Regional Property Manager at 1st Place Management. “Our data shows that well over 100 families — many with children — are living in extended stay motels, often without access to basic stability.”

In addition to permanent housing, residents at Park 500 will receive onsite wraparound services including case management, job support, healthcare access, and childcare coordination. These services will be provided through the Housing Authority of DeKalb County’s Residential Services Corporation subsidiary in partnership with other non-profits. DeKalb’s Community Development Department will manage resident intake and placement which will be coordinated with local organizations and agencies.

To ensure long-term sustainability, DeKalb County will dedicate any positive cash flow to a dedicated reserve fund for unhousing support to include support services and subsidizing housing costs for housing insecure families.  

“This is exactly the kind of people-centered investment that reflects the administration’s strategy on housing.,” said Jacob Vallo, Chief Development Officer for DeKalb County. “Park 500 sets the standard for a housing portfolio that prioritizes equity, dignity, financial sustainability and real impact.”

For potential residents seeking more information on Park 500, contact DeKalb Community Development’s Coordinated Entry at 404.687.3500

Why Park 500 Matters

With funding now approved, Park 500 will:

• Deliver 60 fully livable units by December 2025
• Prioritize families currently living in extended stay motels, including more than 100 school-age children
• Provide comprehensive onsite support services to ensure long-term success
• Launch DeKalb’s first County-owned transitional housing initiative
• Establishes Dekalb’s first dedicated reinvestment fund to sustain and expand housing access

“This vote is more than a policy win — it is a promise kept to our residents. This project is a huge milestone for the County, because we are no longer simply renting space through partners, we own an interest in the project,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “Park 500 is the first step in a new trajectory for affordable housing in DeKalb County.”