Renovations are set to begin this week on the historic O’Hern House, a 76-unit apartment building that serves formerly homeless individuals with permanent supportive housing.
O’Hern House serves residents typically diagnosed with dual challenges of severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and substance use disorders (SUDs).
The rehab will ensure the longevity and preservation of these critical affordable housing units in the heart of Atlanta, in the Historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Residents have recently moved to another apartment complex and are slated to return in the fall of 2026.
The rehab project timeline is expected to take 12 months to complete.
President and CEO of 3Keys, Inc., Scott Walker said residents, many of whom have experienced homelessness, deserve nothing less than the highest quality of care and support.
“The renovation of O’Hern House will make giving our residents the highest quality of care and support possible,” he said. “Through our mission-driven approach, 3Keys provides permanent supportive housing to those often considered the ‘hardest to serve.’ We are deeply grateful to our partners for joining us in this work to ensure our neighbors have the dignity, stability, and opportunities they all deserve.”
The renovation will include a complete reconfiguration of the first level, a refresh of residential rooms, and new fixtures and furniture throughout the building. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and lighting systems will be upgraded with an eye towards energy efficiency. This will result in significant savings on power and water utility bills.
All on-site amenities will be upgraded, including the full-service industrial kitchen that provides three meals per day for the residents and the lounges and laundry rooms on the third and fourth floors.
More on-site features include an elevator, a game room, a library, and a community space for residents to engage in activities.
Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari said O’Hern House has been a lifeline in the community for decades, and with the upcoming renovations, it recommits itself to decades more.
“Atlanta’s commitment to permanent supportive housing cannot be a passing moment; it has to be a lasting covenant. The team behind O’Hern House understands this responsibility, and this is yet another example of its promise,” she said.
Plans have been underway for more than a year and a half, with several partners collaborating on the plan to rehab the existing building:
· Development Partner: Quest CDC
· Architect: James Thomas Designs, LLC (Jim Viviano)
· Construction Project Manager: Carla Cooper
· Owner: The 3Keys, Inc.
· Support Service Provider: Community Friendship, Inc.
Additionally, 3Keys manages 477 permanent supportive housing units across six properties, where residents receive wraparound, individualized support on their paths to stability.
Through this holistic model, staff and partners offer a wide range of essential services, including case management, service coordination, peer support, life skills training, counseling, benefits help, transportation, food support, and referrals to local community providers. By combining affordable housing with healthcare and customized services, 3Keys helps residents overcome barriers and build a foundation for long-term success.
The impact is clear: 3Keys consistently supports a housing stability rate of 85% or higher, exceeding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) national benchmark of 80%.
With the renovation of O’Hern House, 3Keys is positioned to expand this impact, ensuring even more individuals have access to the housing, care, and resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.