Thomasville Heights - A Struggle for Revival and Justice

Thomasville Heights – Community Analysis

Laniqua Matthews, Tanya May, Adrianna Provost

Georgia State University

Course Number SW7100: Foundations of Community Partnership

 Abstract

This paper comprehensively analyzes Thomasville Heights, a predominantly black neighborhood

in Atlanta, GA. Once a thriving community, it faced significant challenges due to urban renewal

programs, crime, and ineffective housing policies. The paper explores the historical background,

current conditions, and the efforts of community and civic organizations in the area. It also

examines the implications of recent redevelopment plans and the impact on residents,

highlighting the need for justice and resource allocation to repair decades of neglect.

Thomasville Heights 2
 Thomasville Heights - A Struggle for Revival and Justice

As a group, we have chosen to analyze Thomasville Heights, a predominantly Black

neighborhood on the Southeast side of Atlanta, GA. Figure A1 shows in Thomasville Heights,

Census Tracts 68.02 and 71, the demographic and socio-economic characteristics (See Table A1)

vary significantly between the two tracts. The population aged 65 and over is 19% in Census

Tract 71, but only 6% in Census Tract 68.02, leading to an overall figure of 10% for Thomasville

Heights. In contrast, the population under 18 years is 29% in Census Tract 71 and markedly

higher at 58% in Census Tract 68.02, resulting in an overall percentage of 43% for the entire

area.

The poverty rate presents a stark difference: 28% in Census Tract 71 compared to a much

higher 78% in Census Tract 68.02, averaging out to 57% for Thomasville Heights. Similarly, the

median income shows a significant gap, with Census Tract 71 reporting $25,208, while Census

Tract 68.02 is substantially lower at $13,750, leading to an overall median income of $17,176 for

Thomasville Heights.

Regarding housing, 54% of units in Census Tract 71 are renter-occupied, compared to a

much higher 88% in Census Tract 68.02. The average household size in Census Tract 71 is 2.8,

indicating a variation in household composition across the tracts. These disparities highlight the

diverse socio-economic landscape within Thomasville Heights.

This area, deeply affected by poverty, substandard housing, drug issues, and violence,

contrasts with the potential and resilience inherent in its community. The history of Thomasville

Heights, especially concerning government housing policies and their impact on communities

like Forest Cove, has drawn our attention. Our group member, Laniqua Matthew, brings a

personal connection to this neighborhood. She worked at The Boys and Girls Club (See Picture

Thomasville Heights 3
A3) inside Thomasville Heights Elementary School (See Picture A2), which served many

children from the Forest Cove Apartments.

Laniqua's experiences during the pandemic while working in the afterschool program

have been pivotal in our selection of Thomasville Heights for our community analysis. She

vividly recalls the daily drive to work, observing the neighborhood's landmarks, and the

challenging conditions faced by its residents. Laniqua shares, "It evoked a sense of

overwhelming sadness seeing the conditions of the neighborhood these kids are being forced to

grow up in, particularly the Forest Cove Apartments...It reminds me of my experience growing

up in Gary, Indiana." Her reflections underscore the harsh realities of life in Thomasville Heights

and highlight the community's strengths.

Despite the challenges, Thomasville Heights is a community rich in cultural value, with

public schools, churches, daycares, grocery stores, community parks, fast food restaurants, and

other vital resources. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) facilitates

public transportation, connecting the neighborhood to the broader Atlanta area. This analysis

aims to look deep into the complexities of Thomasville Heights, examining the interplay of

social, economic, and historical factors that shape the daily lives of its residents. Our group's

varied perspectives and Laniqua's direct experience will guide our exploration of this vibrant yet

challenged community.

Methods

The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach, including historical document reviews

and interviews (see Table A2) with residents and community leaders. We collected data from

various sources, including local archives, news articles, and firsthand accounts from community

members.

Thomasville Heights 4
 Residents and stakeholders were interviewed using questions from Ohmer and DeMasi

(2009). Unfortunately, we could not attend the community meetings organized by the Civic

League or Purpose-Built Schools due to cancellations before we could attend or scheduled

quarterly and not for another couple of weeks, respectively.

One weakness with completing interviews was that we could not conduct them on

current residents. Instead, we interviewed former residents of Forest Cove who have relocated to

other areas of Atlanta; therefore, the issues discussed may not accurately reflect the interests of

current residents. Another weakness is that we were only able to interview renters rather than

homeowners, which resulted in the exclusion of diverse opinions and concerns representing all

neighborhood residents.

From Prosperity to Precarity: The Historical Transformation of Thomasville Heights

Thomasville Heights' history is a tale of transformation, starting in the late 1950s when

Black homeowners began selling their land, influenced by Lyndon B. Johnson's Urban Renewal

Program. The construction of the Thomasville Heights Community public housing project in

1967 marked a significant shift in the community's demographics and infrastructure. However,

the subsequent decades saw a rise in crime and drugs, leading to the eventual demolition of the

community in 2010 and the construction of the Forest Cove Apartments.

Current Conditions

Challenges in Housing: The Forest Cove Crisis: While many residents in Thomasville

Heights depend on MARTA for their transportation needs, the lack of direct routes to essential

Thomasville Heights 5
services such as hospitals and clinics compounds the community's challenges. This issue of

limited accessibility reflects the broader infrastructural and socio-economic difficulties the

neighborhood faces. Another significant weakness that illustrates these challenges is the state of

the Forest Cove Apartments site, not too far from the United States Penitentiary Atlanta, which

houses only male inmates.

Located directly across from Thomasville Heights Recreation Center, In picture A1

Forest Cove apartments symbolize neglect and deterioration. This site not only represents the

physical decay of property but also highlights the deeper issues of housing and community care

within Thomasville Heights. The site has become uninhabited and is currently being used as a

dumping ground. The poor conditions of these subsidized apartments have even garnered the

attention of U.S. senators, leading to an official inquiry into the substandard living conditions

that residents have had to endure (Meadville Tribune, 2022). The state of the Forest Cove

Apartments not only reflects the physical decay of the buildings but also symbolizes the broader

challenges of neglect and inadequate housing policy impacting the community. A critical issue in

the Thomasville Heights community is the situation at Forest Cove Apartments, which has

become emblematic of larger systemic housing challenges in the area. In a press conference on

October 6, Mayor Andre Dickens highlighted the severe living conditions at Forest Cove,

referring to them as a "nightmare" and a "humanitarian crisis." He pointed to the mold-ridden

and pest-infested units as evidence of the neglect and mismanagement by Millennia Housing

Management. Dickens asserted that if it were up to Millennia, residents would still endure these

conditions, implying a lack of responsibility and care from management (Atlanta Civic Circle,

2023).

Thomasville Heights 6
 Furthering the issue, a representative from Millennia PR acknowledged that the original

plans to rehabilitate the property, which included a commitment of $60 million for renovations

and safe, affordable housing, are no longer viable. This admission confirms the abandonment of

efforts to rebuild Forest Cove, leaving the future of housing in the area uncertain and signaling a

failure to provide adequate living conditions for the residents (YouTube, 2023).

Collectively, these statements underline the housing crisis in Thomasville Heights,

highlighting the urgent need for accountable and effective housing policies. The situation at

Forest Cove reflects the physical disrepair of the properties. It signifies deeper systemic issues in

housing management and urban planning that the Thomasville Heights community continues to

grapple with.

Reach for the Stars: Thomasville Heights Recreation Center. In contrast to the

challenges presented by Forest Cove Apartments, the Thomasville Heights Recreation Center

stands out as a significant strength within the community (See Picture A4). Under the

Department of Parks and Recreation, this center commenced new programming for youth, teens,

and seniors starting September 6, 2023. Picture A5 shows Thomasville Rec. Center Gaming Lab

opened Nov 2024 Andre Dickens w City of ATL Dept. Parks and Recreation. The availability of

these programs provides vital resources and support for different age groups in the community,

fostering a sense of community engagement and well-being. The Recreation Center is a physical

activity space symbolizing resilience and community cohesion in Thomasville Heights (Atlanta

News First, 2022). The dichotomy between the dilapidated Forest Cove Apartments and the

vibrant Thomasville Heights Recreation Center illustrates the contrasting aspects of the

community. While the former underscores the long-standing challenges and the need for

Thomasville Heights 7
systemic change, the latter highlights the community's strength, resilience, and positive impact of

local resources and initiatives.

Community & Civic Organizations. Jewel Burks Solomon reminds us that Thomasville

Heights is Atlanta. Jewel Burks Solomon is the Managing Partner of Collab Capital, a $50M

venture capital fund she launched to close the funding gap for Black entrepreneurs and board

director of Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta (CFGA). Moreover, THRIVE

Thomasville, an initiative under the CFGA, exemplifies the impact of strategic community-

focused grantmaking. In 2023, the Thomasville council members approved grants totaling

$48,850 to ten nonprofits, community groups, and residents. These grants support projects in the

Historic Thomasville area, which includes Thomasville Heights, Norwood Manor, and Forest

Cove. This initiative is part of the broader efforts of the Community Foundation for Greater

Atlanta, which, since 2016, the community has been actively involved in addressing the

opportunity gap in the Thomasville Heights neighborhood in southeast Atlanta. This initiative,

led by the Spark Opportunity Giving Circle, employs a place-focused approach that has

instigated additional investments. The Foundation's impact strategy is multi-faceted,

encompassing grantmaking, strategic partnerships with nonprofits, policy advocacy, and the

development of THRIVE Thomasville, a resident-led council. The seven council members are

instrumental in directing funds to projects designed by the community, leveraging local strengths

and empowering residents to address their own needs (Community Foundation for Greater

Atlanta, 2021). In 2020, the focus of the Foundation's place-based giving shifted to meet the

immediate needs of the Thomasville Heights community, addressing critical issues like housing,

food insecurity, and emergency funds. Organizations such as Atlanta THRIVE, THRIVE

Thomasville, Thomasville Heights Civic League, and Housing Justice League have been

Thomasville Heights 8
instrumental in advocating for the community's needs. Their efforts address housing justice,

community engagement, and resource allocation. Within Thomasville Heights, several

community and civic organizations play a pivotal role. The Thomasville Heights Civic League is

a grassroots, volunteer-led nonprofit organization. Its core mission is to uphold and promote the

community values of the Thomasville Heights neighborhood, reflecting a deep commitment to

preserving the cultural and social fabric of the area (Atlanta through the Archives, n.d.). This

organization is instrumental in fostering community cohesion and advocating for residents'

interests.

Another significant entity in the landscape of community support is the Housing Justice

League. Operated by volunteers, this nonprofit organization assists Atlantans affected by a long

history of housing discrimination and the challenges posed by the modern housing crisis (Atlanta

through the Archives, n.d.). Their work is particularly relevant in Thomasville Heights, given the

neighborhood's struggles with housing issues and the need for equitable housing solutions.

The efforts of these organizations are crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced

by the Thomasville Heights community. By leveraging grassroots involvement and focusing on

critical issues like housing justice, they play an essential role in advocating for and supporting

the residents of Thomasville Heights. Figure A2 shows the asset map of Thomasville Heights.

Applying Theoretical Frameworks to Thomasville Heights: Rothman, Arnstein, and Freire

Rothman's (2007) models – Locality Development, Social Planning, and Social Action –

offer a framework to understand community interventions in Thomasville Heights. The

grassroots initiatives by the Thomasville Heights Civic League and THRIVE Thomasville

illustrate Locality Development through community building and active resident participation.

Thomasville Heights 9
Social planning is seen in the strategic approaches of organizations like the Community

Foundation for Greater Atlanta, which focuses on policy advocacy and systemic change. The

Housing Justice League's advocacy for marginalized groups in housing issues reflects the Social

Action model (Rothman, 2007).

Arnstein's (1969) ladder of citizen participation ranges from non-participation to citizen

power, providing a measure of community involvement in decision-making. In Thomasville

Heights, the evolution from lower levels of participation, marked by historical governmental

neglect, to higher levels through initiatives like THRIVE Thomasville exemplifies this

progression towards greater citizen empowerment.

Paulo Freire's concept in "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" (1970) further enriches this

analysis. Freire emphasizes the importance of dialogue and the role of education in empowering

the oppressed to challenge and change their reality. In Thomasville Heights, this is mirrored in

the efforts of community organizations to educate and involve residents in advocacy and

decision-making processes. These efforts reflect Freire's idea of 'conscientization,' where the

community members become more aware of their social reality and are thus empowered to effect

change. The educational programs and community discussions initiated by local organizations

align with Freire's principles, fostering a critical consciousness among residents to address

systemic issues and advocate for their rights.

Conclusions and Lessons Learned

Thomasville Heights has several strengths due to the efforts of numerous community and

civic organizations. The community benefits from the presence of Thomasville Heights

Recreation Center and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlant, which operate inside Slater

Thomasville Heights 10
Elementary and Price Middle School. The area also boasts solid social networks and historic

civic leadership, which have helped develop self-advocacy among the locals.

The weaknesses reside in the inhumane conditions of the Forest Cove community and the

lack of public transportation. The inhuman conditions at Forest Cove are not just a housing issue

but also a major human rights violation. Submitting a redevelopment plan without considering

the residents living in poverty indicates efforts to gentrify the Thomasville Heights community

and shatter any hopes the residents have for the revival of their community. It is difficult to

determine where the blame lies between Millennia, HUD, and the City of Atlanta. They appear

to be pointing fingers at one another with no accountability for their role in the residents'

suffering.

It's challenging to ascertain the party responsible for the residents' suffering between Millennia,

HUD, and the City of Atlanta. They appear to blame each other without any accountability for

their actions.

The Thomasville Heights area needs more public transportation, which severely challenges

the community's residents. Many families in this area don't own vehicles and rely solely on

MARTA for transportation. However, MARTA doesn't provide direct routes to essential social

services, such as hospitals, clinics, or other amenities, which makes it challenging for residents to

access them. Furthermore, this lack of transportation also affects their ability to find adequate

employment opportunities.

The level of organization within Thomasville Heights is commendable. The community

displays a structured approach to addressing its issues with active leadership, strategic

Thomasville Heights 11
partnerships, and community-led initiatives. However, there is room for enhancement.

Recommendations for the community include strengthening economic opportunities, enhancing

educational resources, improving housing and infrastructure, fostering greater inclusivity in

planning, expanding health and wellness services, encouraging youth engagement, and building

upon the existing community strengths.

Thomasville Heights can leverage its inherent strengths to overcome its challenges through

these recommendations. The ultimate goal is to foster a more empowered, equitable, and

sustained community where all residents can access the resources and opportunities necessary for

a fulfilling life. The resilience and protective nature of Thomasville Heights set a promising

foundation for future development and community well-being.

During the community analysis process, we developed valuable skills to apply in our social

work practice. This experience helped us take a step back and look at the bigger picture, evaluate

the factors involved, and identify areas that require improvement. We acquired these skills

through research and interviews. In our research, we discovered the diverse strengths and

weaknesses of various systems that will aid us in understanding the Person in Environment

(P.I.E) concept. We can uncover and implement effective interventions by understanding the

multiple systems in a community and how they can impact the residents.

One of the most valuable skills we learned was interviewing stakeholders and residents

effectively. We found that the interviewer's ability to establish a rapport and make the

interviewees feel comfortable was just as important as the questions themselves. As social

workers, building trust with our clients is crucial for them to open up and share important

Thomasville Heights 12
information about themselves, their needs, challenges, and strengths. This helps us develop a

shared understanding of their experience, which is essential in creating an effective plan to

support them. Many social workers work with vulnerable and marginalized populations, so the

insights we gained from analyzing the experiences of the residents of Thomasville Heights were

invaluable. We gained a deeper understanding of the daily barriers and adversities that these

populations face, which will help us be better equipped to serve them in the future.

Identifying Issues and Self-Interest

In interviews with neighborhood residents of Forest Cove, it became clear that many of their

opinions and concerns overlapped. Audrianan S., Ladasia G., and Tereka R. all agreed that the

community was like a family with strong bonds, Audrianan S., stating, “I Have been in this

community since I was a child” (Audriana S., personal communication, November 21, 2023;

Ladasia G., personal communication, November 23, 2023; Tereka R., personal communication,

November 23, 2023). Tareka R. and Audriana S. are both excited about the renovations going to

take place at the Forest Cove apartments, expressing excitement to move back into their

neighborhood (Audriana S., personal communication, November 21, 2023; Tereka R., personal

communication, November 23, 2023). When asked who holds power in the neighborhood, all

three responded Millennia and HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development

(Audriana S., personal communication, November 21, 2023; Ladasia G., personal

communication, November 23, 2023; Tereka R., personal communication, November 23, 2023).

Regarding the neighborhood's weaknesses, Audriana S., Ladasia G., and Tereka R.

expressed their concerns about the deplorable conditions of Forest Cove Apartments. Audriana

Thomasville Heights 13
S. reported an infestation of rats and roaches, and Ladasia G. reported holes in the ceiling,

allowing water in when it rains (Audriana S, personal communication, November 21, 2023;

Ladasia G., personal communication, November 23, 2023; Tereka R., personal communication,

November 23, 2023). While Audriana S. and Tereka R. were concerned about the increase in

crime, Audriana S. specifically noted that crime was on the rise (Audriana S, personal

communication, November 21, 2023; Tereka R., personal communication, November 23, 2023).

Interviews with neighborhood stakeholders also yielded a wealth of information. Kenyatta,

the supervisor for the Thomasville Recreation Center, was able to offer insights into the various

programs and services available to the residents, from acting as a warming center to offering

gaming leagues to residences (Kenyatta, personal communication, November 2, 2023). Kenyatta

was very brief about the closing of Forest Cove, stating, “It is involved in a lawsuit with the City

of Atlanta and Millennia, nothing more to say,” and proceeds with her concern about the

residents not knowing they are open (Kenyatta, personal communication, November 2, 2023).

The lack of community engagement with the center's programs and misunderstanding of its role

due to its association with a closed school were identified as the challenges by Kenyatta

(Kenyatta, personal communication, November 2, 2023).

Jovan Miles, who formerly served as the principal of Thomasville Heights Elementary

School until its closure in 2022, stated that 75% of the students were residents of Forest Cove.

When asked about the challenges faced by the school, Miles pointed out the unfortunate living

conditions of the students and the negative impact it had on their academic performance,

furthering the insight into the deplorable conditions as the three residents of Forest Cove pointed

Thomasville Heights 14
out (J. Miles, personal communication, November 2, 2023) and noted how students would come

to school, feeling tired, hungry, and unfocused. Despite these challenges, the school was able to

provide significant support to families in need thanks to several community partnerships and

support from concerned citizens (J. Miles, personal communication, November 2, 2023). Miles

emphasized that Thomasville Heights Elementary played a crucial role in supporting not only the

academic needs of its students but also in providing community engagement and resources.

A reporter from a local publication, referred to as "Reporter A," spoke candidly about the

community of Forest Cove. The reporter praised the sense of hope and revitalization among the

residents of Forest Cove but also highlighted ongoing concerns from former residents who still

face poor living conditions despite being relocated (Reporter A, personal communication,

November 17, 2023). According to Reporter A, some of the stigmas from Forest Cove continue

to follow former residents, including instances where they are chased from their new homes

(Reporter A, personal communication, November 17, 2023). When asked about who is

responsible for the conditions at Forest Cove, Reporter A stated that it is not the fault of any one

individual and even tried to investigate if there was an investigation by HUD into Millennia but

lost contact and was unable to verify the information (Reporter A, personal communication,

November 17, 2023). He is committed to monitoring the living conditions of former residents of

Forest Cove and promises to move back to Thomasville Heights.

The interview with Trimika Hicks, the program director of the Purpose-Built Boys and

Girls Club cluster, was an especially informative one. Trimika H., former program director at the

Boys and Girls Club in Thomasville Heights Elementary in 2020, provided insight into the

Thomasville Heights 15
partnership of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and Purpose-Built Schools Atlanta to

provide additional learning resources to students struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic (T.

Hicks, personal communication, November 2, 2023). When asked about the resources they

offered, she stated that they served as a distant learning hub during the week for students needing

more academic support and/or had no technology to log into classes at home (T. Hicks, personal

communication, November 2, 2023). When asking Trimika H. about the strengths of the

community, she spoke of the relationships and closeness of the community, as the three residents

interviewed stated, “being a family” (T. Hicks, personal communication, November 2, 2023).

Trimika H. recounts the closing of Thomasville Heights Elementary, “It felt like we were losing

relationships with family members or close loved ones. She says that she is intentional about

making sure she stays connected with the families by “calling and checking in” with them

regularly to see if they need any resources (T. Hicks, personal communication, November 2,

2023). After conducting interviews with the residents and stakeholders, it is clear that the

community bonds are strong despite the deplorable conditions in Forest Cove. Regardless of

socioeconomic or educational attainment, all interviewees have the same issues of importance.

The community has shown remarkable resilience and has created partnerships to address shared

goals, problems, and community needs.

Potential or Hypothetical Campaign for Thomasville Heights Revitalization

An article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution provides a foundational perspective for

envisioning a campaign dedicated to revitalizing Thomasville Heights. This campaign is part of a

Thomasville Heights 16
larger movement focused on neighborhood improvement and revitalization, offering a tangible

model for similar initiatives in Thomasville Heights (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2023).

Utilizing collected data, including the history, current conditions, and issues identified in

Thomasville Heights, a hypothetical campaign could focus on neighborhood revitalization.

Addressing key issues, such as affordable housing, enhancing public amenities, and community

safety, would be central to this campaign. The revitalization plan discussed in the AJC article

serves as a real-world example, showcasing its applicability and significance to Thomasville

Heights (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2023).

The campaign's primary focus is the urgent need for safe, affordable housing. The

challenging conditions highlight this need at Forest Cove and is a recurring theme in the

community's ongoing struggles. The capacity to address the housing issue is likely a coalition of

local government bodies, housing authorities, community organizations, and private developers

committed to providing affordable housing solutions. Potential demands from the community

could include creating safe, affordable housing units, increased investment in local amenities and

infrastructure, and strengthened community policing and safety initiatives.

Given the mutual interests shared by residents, local government, and community

organizations in improving living standards, a consensus approach to organizing would be most

appropriate. Such collaborative efforts are vital in realizing the collective aspirations for

revitalization and enhancing community well-being in Thomasville Heights.

Conclusion. The history and current state of Thomasville Heights reflect a community that has

endured significant challenges. The lack of accountability from entities like Millennia, HUD, and

the City of Atlanta exacerbates these challenges.

Thomasville Heights 17
 References

Arnstein, S. R. (1969). A ladder of citizen participation. Journal of the American Institute of

Planners, 35(4), 216–224.

Atlanta through the Archives. Atlanta Through the Archives. (n.d.).

https://www.atlurbanarchives.info/

Atlanta Civic Circle. (2023, July 12). Forest Cove key to Thomasville Heights revitalization.

Retrieved from https://atlantaciviccircle.org/2023/07/12/forest-cove-key-to-thomasville-

heights-revitalization/

Atlanta Civic Circle. (2023, October 9). Atlanta Millennia in federal court over Forest Cove.

Retrieved from https://atlantaciviccircle.org/2023/10/09/atlanta-millennia-in-federal-

court-over-forest-cove/

Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (2023). Community plan offers hope for a revitalized Thomasville

Heights. Retrieved from https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/community-plan-offers-

hope-for-a-revitalized-thomasville-heights/BZOTMETS6VD7TKOPPF6EYP7WFA/

Atlanta News First. (2022). Nonprofit looking for space to hold teen, senior programs in

Southeast Atlanta. Retrieved from

Thomasville Heights 18
 https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2022/09/16/nonprofit-looking-space-hold-teen-senior-

programs-southeast-atlanta/

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation is on Facebook. (2023, November 14). Log

into Facebook. Facebook. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?

story_fbid=pfbid02noo9fCbRYVn1hFP5za3VNXBjHH8SMCdNW5nTZUnrUYV52Ax

V3tNgceKB1UfjcxPMl&id=100064240857230&mibextid=Nif5oz

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. (2021). Empowering a neighborhood: The story of

Thomasville Heights. Retrieved from https://cfgreateratlanta.org/2021/06/16/2020ar-

thomasville

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. (n.d.). 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

https://cfgreateratlanta.org/board-of-directors/

Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the oppressed. New York, Seabury Press

Meadville Tribune. (2022). U.S. senators launch inquiry into poor conditions at subsidized

apartments. Retrieved from https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/u-s-senators-launch-

inquiry-into-poor-conditions-at-subsidized-apartments/article_adfe92d8-5d7c-11ee-8b7d-

c7d49fa6cc68.html

Melanie, J. (Year, Month Day). Thomasville Heights is Atlanta. Retrieved from

https://medium.com/@jewelmelanie/thomasville-heights-is-atlanta-ccc790b157f8

Ohmer, M. L., & Demaski, K. (2009). Chapter 7. In Consensus Organizing: A Community

Development Workbook. (pp. 161–182). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

Rothman, J. (2007). Multi modes of intervention at the macro level. Journal of Community

Practice, 15(4), 11–40.

Thomasville Heights 19
 Appendix

Figure A1: Census Tract 68.02 - Block 1 and Census Tract - Block 2

Table A1: Demographics

Thomasville Heights 20
 Table A2. Interviews

INTERVIEWS

Demographics Community Connection Date/Time Location

Interview Kenyatta: ● Supervisor at Thomasville Nov. 2, 2023, at Thomasville Heights

● Mid 30’s
#1 Heights Recreation Center 10:30 P.M Recreation Center
● Female
● Identified one of the challenges as, a lack of community engagement with the
center's programs and a misunderstanding of the center's role due to its association
Information Gathered with a closed school.
● Recognized the strength of the community, emphasizing the potential impact of
residents utilizing local resources such as the recreation center.
● Atlanta native and graduate of
Interview Jovan Miles: Georgia State University
Nov. 2, 2023,
● Mid 40’s ● Former Thomasville Heights Slater Elementary - Office
#2 at 1:00 P.M.
● Male Elementary Principal/Current
Principal at Slater
● Approximately 235 (¾) of Thomasville Heights Elementary’s students lived in
Forest Cove
Information Gathered ● The community conditions presented challenges with the students’ academic
performance, as many would come to school tired, hungry, and unfocused.
● Community partnerships supported struggling families.
● Atlanta native and graduate of
Interview Trimika Hicks: Georgia State University
Nov. 2, 2023, Slater Elementary -
● Early 40’s ● Executive Director of Purpose-
#3 at 3:30 P.M. Cafeteria
● Female Built Schools Boys and Girls
Club
Information Gathered ● She spoke about The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta’s partnership with
Purpose Built School Atlanta to provide additional learning resources to students
struggling, which “provided a way to address the gaps in academic achievement for
students and the need for parents to return to the workforce.”
● Explained the relationships and closeness the club gained with the family from being
centralized directly in Thomasville Heights Elementary.
● She remains connected to families by doing regular check-ins to see how they are

Thomasville Heights 21
 doing and if they are in need of any resources
Reporter
● Published over 15 articles on
Interview (Anonymous): Nov. 17, 2023,
Forest Cove Apartments Phone
#4 ● Mid 40’s at 3:00 P.M.
● Civic Journalist
● Male
● Believes that one asset is the “sense of hope” the Forest Cove residents have about a
reimagined and revitalized Thomasville Heights.
● Does not believe that one person is to blame for conditions the Forest Cove residents
Information Gathered
were subjected to.
● Reported that some residents are being targeted in their new homes because they
previously lived in Forest Cove Apartments.
Audriana Seals
Hicks: ● Former Resident of Thomasville
Interview Nov. 23, 2023,
● Late 40’s Heights Project Projects and Phone
#5 at 1:00 P.M.
● Female Forest Cove
● Single-parent
● Believes that compared to Forest Cove Apartments, the Thomasville Heights Projects
were in better shape because they were all brick buildings but still infested with rats
Information Gathered and roaches.
● The church program coming to the neighborhood on Sunday with games and
entertainment for the children was a strength to the community.
Tareka Robinson:
● Mid 30’s
Interview ● Female Nov. 23, 2023,
● Former Resident of Forest Cove Phone
#6 ● Unemployed at 1:00 P.M.
● Single-parent/2
Kids
● Feels it was unfair how the City of Atlanta treated residents.
Information Gathered ● Would like the option to return after the community is rebuilt.
● Loved the community support, particularly from Thomasville Heights Elementary
Ladasia Gilbert:
● Early 40’s
Interview ● Female ● Atlanta Native Nov. 23, 2023,
Phone
#7 ● Employed ● Former Resident of Forest Cove at 4:30 P.M.
● Single-parent/1
Kid
● Hated the conditions of the neighborhood; never let her son play outside.
● Believes the City of Atlanta failed the Forest Cove residents.
Information Gathered
● Does not want to return to Thomasville Heights
● Moved with family in Lawrenceville, GA, rather than accept the voucher to relocate.

Picture A1. Forest Cove Apartments (Building 43 & 117, and abandoned bicycle and tire spare)

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Picture A2. Thomasville Heights Elementary School

Picture A3. Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta - Purpose Built

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 Picture A4. Thomasville Heights Recreation Center (Including Gaming Lab)

Picture A5. Thomasville Rec. Center Gaming Lab opened Nov 2024 Andre Dickens w City of

ATL Dept. Parks and Recreation

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Figure A2. Community Asset Map

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