I’m from Stone Mountain, Georgia—born and raised in the metro Atlanta area. I’ve lived here my whole life, went to school in DeKalb County, graduated from Chamblee High. So, when I say I’m from Atlanta, I mean it. I know the city, the suburbs, the back roads, the traffic. I’ve always loved being close to everything—close to the culture, the people, the energy. But what really makes Atlanta feel like home to me is the nature. The trees, the forests, the green that surrounds you even when you’re stuck in traffic. That’s what grounds me.
As a teacher, I’ve seen how hard it is for people in my profession to live near where they work. I used to live in Cobb County and commute to Gwinnett. I know teachers who live in Henry County but work in DeKalb. The commutes are long, the traffic is brutal, and the cost of living near your school? Nearly impossible. That’s why owning a home close to my job—just 25 minutes away, with or without traffic—has been life-changing.
I started my homebuying journey through the NACA program, which eventually connected me to Atlanta Housing. That’s when everything changed. The market was wild—post-COVID interest rates, unpredictable approvals, and home prices that seemed to jump by $10,000 overnight. I was looking at fixer-uppers that needed new HVAC systems, roofs, everything. It was overwhelming.
But with Atlanta Housing’s Down Payment Assistance, I didn’t have to settle. I didn’t have to choose between affordability and livability. I was able to buy a home that was move-in ready, a place I could actually see myself in for the next 5 to 10 years. That support made the difference between just getting by and truly thriving.
Renting had always felt like a cycle I couldn’t break. Every month, I was paying $1,500 to $1,600 and getting nothing back. No equity, no stability—just a roof over my head. Now, every payment I make is an investment in my future. My name is on the mortgage. This is my home. And no one can take that away from me.
There’s a confidence that comes with homeownership that I didn’t expect. It’s not just about having a place to live—it’s about knowing that I’m building something. I’m not just spending money to survive; I’m investing in my future, in my community, in my peace of mind. I can walk my dog through the neighborhood and wave to my neighbors. I may not know all their names, but we look out for each other. That’s what community means to me—trust, connection, and the kind of support that reminds you you’re not alone.
The biggest obstacle I faced when looking for a home was affordability. The difference of $5,000 or $10,000 in a listing price could completely change what I had access to. I’d find a home that was perfect, only to realize it was just out of reach. Sellers weren’t budging on prices, and I was stuck. Atlanta Housing’s support helped close that gap. It helped me move from “almost” to “yes.”
Being able to afford my house through Atlanta Housing’s down payment assistance was life-changing. It gave me the freedom to choose a home I actually wanted—not just one I could barely afford. It gave me peace of mind. It gave me a future.
To anyone out there—especially young people—who think homeownership is out of reach: look into your resources. Yes, the process is tedious. But it’s tedious for a reason. It prepares you to be a better homeowner, to be financially ready, to be a lasting part of your community. Atlanta Housing and NACA worked together to help me find my home. Sometimes they coordinated things without me even needing to step in. That kind of partnership is rare—and powerful.
My advice? Don’t stop at one resource. Ask questions. Ask how else they can help. There are people and programs out there that want to see you succeed. You just have to be willing to do the work and trust the process.
Home is opportunity. Home is security. Home is self-sufficiency. And for me, home is safety.
You Could Be Next
Chris’s story reminds us that with the right support, homeownership is possible—even in a challenging market. Atlanta Housing’s DPA program is a commitment to fairness, access, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to build a future in the city they call home.
For many Atlantans, especially those from historically marginalized communities, the DPA program is a bridge to stability and long-term wealth. It’s not just about buying a house—it’s about claiming a stake in the city’s future.
If you’re a first-time buyer wondering whether homeownership is within reach, Chris’s message is clear: you can do this!