Return to flip book view
23 Annual Report 20 #ForTheCommunity
Dear Quest Family, I use family because of our culture and overall commitment to serve our most vulnerable sisters and brothers experiencing both personal and systemic ill’s that damage pathways in their individual and collective walk of life. Over the past year, you, Team Quest has worked to bring QuestCDC through some of, if not the roughest period in her history to date. Now on the hills of the COVID Pandemic, QuestCDC - like many other agencies, experienced challenging repercussions that, if not for each of you tightening your own bootstraps to strengthen our weakest links and ensure we weathered the storm, we may have been at risk of shuttering our doors to never reopen - like many before us. Only through your passion and alignment of our shared vision have we been able to rebound and close the year strong. Leadership has acted to reimagine, rethink, and refine this organization for a sustainable tomorrow. As the Founder and visionary of this dream, I want you to know that there is not a day that goes by that I am not overwhelmed with gratitude as I lead and participate with a team of talented individuals for the better good for all. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do on behalf of Team Quest. Leonard L. Adams Jr. QuestCDC Founder and CEO letter from the PRESIDENT
Marcus Billie, current Board Chair (right) with former Board Chair, Aisha Thomas at the Westside Housing Trifecta
On behalf of the Board of Directors of QuestCDC, we extend our warmest greetings and express our genuine excitement for the promising future that lies ahead for our esteemed organization. As we reflect on the significant strides made by QuestCDC in the past, we are particularly thrilled about the ongoing and upcoming initiatives that will further enhance our positive impact on the Westside of Atlanta and beyond. One of the key highlights that fuels our enthusiasm is the $110 million investment earmarked for the Heritage Village @ West Lake Development, Quest Residences @ Grove Park, and The Simpson West @ Historic Vine City. These ambitious projects symbolize our unwavering commitment to revitalizing and uplifting communities, fostering sustainable development, and creating lasting positive change. As a Board, we are inspired by the collective efforts and partnerships that have brought these projects to fruition. We recognize the collaborative spirit that permeates QuestCDC's work and extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and community members who contribute to our shared vision of a vibrant and thriving Westside of Atlanta. In closing, we look forward with great anticipation to the positive transformations that the Heritage Village @ West Lake Development, Quest Residences @ Grove Park, and The Simpson West @ Historic Vine City will bring to the Westside of Atlanta and the broader community. We are honored to be part of this journey and remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a legacy of empowerment and prosperity. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we eagerly anticipate the prosperous future that lies ahead for QuestCDC and the communities we serve. Marcus A. Billie QuestCDC Board Chair message from the BOARD
NeighborWorks America is a major funder of our supportive housing initiatives
by the numbers 2023 Together, we're making housing stability possible for formerly homeless and extremely low-income individuals & families on Atlanta's Westside. 16K+ CLIENTS & RESIDENTS provided with Housing & Supportive Services since 2001 1,100 CLIENTS & RESIDENTS provided with Housing & Supportive Services 93% QUEST RESIDENTS do not return to lives of homelessness $4.2M INVESTMENT in Single Family Housing since 2001 $140M INVESTMENT in Affordable & Supportive Housing since 2001 $4M BENEFITS managed for SSI Recipients and Veterans Quest continues to rank #1 in quality among Atlanta's Homeless Service Providers QuestCDC remains committed to upholding its mission of promoting equitable development, fostering community engagement, and catalyzing positive change. We are confident that, with the continued dedication of our team and the support of our stakeholders, the impact of QuestCDC will reach new heights.
ANNUAL REPORT meaningful milestones LOCAL LEADERS & ADVOCATES discussed the issues and solutions for Westside residents on our community podcast: Westside Wise - connected by AT&T. (p.23) COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS celebrated at the Westside Housing Trifecta event with a special Impact Awards ceremony, demonstrating the incredible support of our community (p.13) COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS increased throughout 2023, breathing new life into the offerings of our supportive services division and our beloved Westside Communities. 110 MILLION INVESTMENT was announced at the Westside Housing Trifecta - bringing close to 300 new affordable & supportive housing units to ATL's Westside neighborhoods (p.09) CHAMPIONING ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY with US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo & prominent Atlanta leaders on Atlanta's Westside (p.17) 2023 17 13 09 23
Quest is a comprehensive community development corporation on Atlanta’s Westside that provides affordable housing and supportive services, and coordinates a host of health, economic and social services for residents. We promote the concept that everyone deserves a strong foundation — a safe home with an extensive social support network that allows all residents to thrive. OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES AND FOSTER SOCIAL EQUITY THROUGH COLLABORATION AND SERVICE INTEGRATION. . we are reshaping the future of community DEVELOPMENT 8 We work with more than 75 nonprofit partners across Georgia to deliver a host of social, financial, and health-related services for nearly 1,100 clients and residents annually. Our ultimate vision is to perfect a collective impact model using affordable housing and a services delivery hub as vehicles for community collaboration. We develop affordable housing for underserved individuals and families, reducing barriers to economic mobility. We strive to build stable and vibrant communities for those who have been disenfranchised to position residents to break the cycle of generational poverty. For over two decades, we’ve created intentional communities to demonstrate that everyone deserves an opportunity to live productive lives in a safe and nurturing community setting.
The Westside Housing TRIFECTA A 110 Million Dollar Investment In Atlanta's Westside QuestCDC has meticulously planned three projects designed to cater to Atlanta's most vulnerable residents, including seniors, individuals requiring permanent supportive housing, and other residents facing housing challenges. Development News
The Heritage Village @ West Lake Development represents a beacon of progress and community empowerment. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the fruition of this endeavor, which we believe will not only transform physical spaces but also contribute to the social and economic vitality of the Westside of Atlanta. The thoughtfully planned Quest Residences @ Grove Park and The Simpson West @ Historic Vine City further exemplify our dedication to providing quality housing solutions that meet the diverse needs of the community. 339 Holly Street New Construction 30% AMI / 55 and Older Affordable + Supportive Housing 40 Units Investment: $14,403,479 239 West Lake Avenue NW Preservation Health + Supportive Services Financial + Workforce Development 102 Units Investment: $42,980,306 810 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. NW New Construction Faith-based Initiative Affordable Housing 139 Units Investment: $53,061,258
Atlanta | November 15th, 2023 The Westside Housing Trifecta event at The Home Depot Backyard was a huge success. Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens once again delivered and drove home the importance of affordable housing, challenges associated with intentionally developing for Atlanta’s’ most vulnerable residents and how last mile delays contribute to escalating costs. Development News The Westside Housing TRIFECTA Leonard L. Adams Jr. (center) with The H.J. Russell & Company Team at the Westside Housing Trifecta
We are excited to announce a $110M investment into the city’s housing stock that will bring nearly 300 units of housing to Atlanta, contributing to Mayor Dickens promise of 20,000. 12 PRESENTED BY Quest CDC Columbia Residential The Integral Group Atlanta Housing Simpson Street Church of Christ Urban League Greater Atlanta Good Samaritan SB Freidman Foley Design Associates JT Design Martin Riley Associates HJ Russell OUR SPONSORS Arthur M Blank Family Foundation Southern Poverty Law Center Quest Ventures Enterprise Community Partners NeighborWorks America SPECIAL THANKS Chrysalis Labs The Home Depot Backyard Dept of Housing and Urban Development Momentus Capital Wells Fargo Low-Income Investment Fund
The Westside Housing Trifecta Enterprise Community Partners Chrysalis Lab Partners for Home City of Atlanta Westside Future Fund NeighborWorks America presented by Partnerships Impact Awards
14 THANK YOU TO OUR TRIFECTA INVESTORS Quest Residences @ Grove Park Office of Planning and Budget Department of Community Affairs City of Atlanta Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta The Home Depot Foundation Federal Home Loan Bank Renasant Bank Partners for HOME The Simpson West @ Historic Vine City Bellwether Enterprise Invest Atlanta Westside Future Fund Arthur M Blank Family Foundation Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta Enterprise Community Partners Cabretta Capital Heritage Village @ West Lake Westside Future Fund Enterprise Community Partners Reinvestment Fund Corporation Supportive Housing/CSH Atlanta Emerging Markets Office of Planning and Budget Partners for HOME Annie E. Casey Foundation Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta Atlanta Housing Capital Impact Partners Home Depot Foundation Truist Bank City of Atlanta Renasant Bank Truist Bank Capital Impact Partners Office of Congresswoman Nikema Williams
calling the westside HOME Quest announces new Black & Minority Homeownership Initiative, bringing 12 Modular Homes to Atlanta’s Historic Vine CIty Neighborhood. HOME OWNERSHIP Real Estate Development
Quest Black Homeownership Initiative The “Quest Black” Homeownership Initiative is one of the first ever Black wealth Initiatives in the country, helping to build and grow a proven pathway for wealth creation and economic mobility in the Black community that could serve as a national model for addressing the racial wealth gap. Quest CDC in partnership with Quest Ventures introduces the “Quest Black” Homeownership Fund - pioneering an innovative trifecta of land-trust, life insurance and down-payment product that removes the capital barriers faced by Black and African American families in buying their first home, which puts them on a promising path toward financial well-being and wealth creation. Quest Black Homeownership Fund The Quest Black Homeownership Fund offers Black and African American first-time home-buyers access to no-interest down-payment funds that can be used toward the purchase of a new home. Upon selling or refinancing, homebuyers then return their down-payment plus 5% of the home’s appreciation value to support the next homebuyer on their journey to wealth and ensure the Homeownership Fund can continue to operate. 834 Thurman Street Modular Build Single Family Home Ownership 12 Units Investment: $2.8M Legacy Homes Investors Westside Future Fund Atlanta Housing Impact Housing American Estate & Trust Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
community EVENTS EPA Super Fund Site Remediation Training @ QuestCDC Quest is pleased to have partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to bring a remediation training initiative to the westside. English Avenue and Vine City are part of an EPA designated super fund site due to elevated levels of lead in the soil. Community Engagement
Honored to be on a panel at the 2nd annual Baker Tilly DevelUP Conference with Atlanta Housing Authority, Enterprise Community Partners, and Sepia Transformation Partners. USAO NDGA Second Chance Housing Solutions Conference NeighborWorks America Executive Symposium 2023 Goodwill ATL: Career and Resource 2ND Chance Expo Congresswoman Nikema Williams Visits The Quest Westside Impact Center Westside Gardens Event at Quest Veterans Village ULGA Fall Super Saturday Homebuyers Education Holiday Expo
It was a pleasure to host an affordable housing and solar incentive roundtable with the US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo & prominent Atlanta leaders interested in championing energy sustainability on the Westside. Championing Energy Sustainability on Atlanta's Westside Community Engagement
20 (L-R) US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo with Leonard L. Adams, Jr. - QuestCDC President & CEO The roundtable discussion was a great way to begin conversations about energy sustainability in affordable housing. There was representation from the City of Atlanta: Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer - Atlanta Housing; Terri Lee, Chief Operating Officer - Invest Atlanta, Georgia Power, The Integral Group, Southface, Groundswell and rounding us out was the one and only Ambassador Andrew J. Young (bottom right) and Operation HOPE, Inc. - John Hope Bryant, CEO. Solarize Atlanta Gives Back Having been the only non-profit developer of affordable housing to receive the Solarize Atlanta Gives Back donation of a rooftop solar array, Quest Community Development Corporation is very interested in exploring the tax credit and new direct payment incentive program from the US Treasury working to reduce costs and improve accessibility to rooftop solar for metro residents.
The 2nd Annual Ride for the Westside, presented by Westside Future Fund & QuestCDC was invigorating. Together, we raised much-needed funds to ensure the equitable revitalization of the Historic Westside neighborhoods into a place Dr. King would be proud to call home. ride for the Community Engagement WESTSIDE
Urban Land Institute's 27th Annual Awards of Excellence Finalist: Mission Advancement Quest Week 2023 - Celebrating 22 Years Of Service Georgia ACT Board Retreat @ The Westside Impact Center NeighborWorks Week 2023 - Empowering Communities For Success MLK Day of Service 2023 in Vine City Operation Surprise: The Home Depot Foundation partnered with Quest to surprise Atlanta Veterans. More than 200 volunteers came together on Atlanta’s Westside to revamp and upgrade our Veterans Village property, a permanent housing facility for formerly homeless veterans..
Bringing Wisdom to Atlanta's Airwaves Advocating for Change in the ATL with Howard Franklin Howard Franklin, founder and CEO of Ohio River South, lobbyist by trade, and changemaker at heart, has his finger on the pulse of Atlanta! Tune in for a conversation all about the ATL from one of the most prolific leaders in our city! The Importance of Lead Testing for Westside Children with Eri Saikawa Join us for a conversation featuring Dr. Eri Saikawa centered on the EPA designated superfund site on the Westside of Atlanta. There is an urgent need for lead testing children living in the area but to date, there are no local resources or funding available to carry out this very important initiative. Protecting Legacy Residents on ATL's Westside with John Ahmann Tune in for a conversation with John Ahmann as we discuss the major changes happening on Atlanta's Westside, and the role that the Westside Future Fund is playing to ensure that legacy residents are given the opportunity to share in the interest and the investment that is being made in this part of the city. 2023 WWP GUESTS Community Engagement
#WESTSIDEWISE Highlighting the Contribution of the Department of Parks & Recreation for the City of Atlanta with Justin Cutler Join us for a conversation featuring Justin Cutler as we learn about all the awesome services that DPR offers residents of the City of Atlanta. DPR is MUCH more than you think so please tune in to hear about how you can get involved to increase the physical and mental health of yourself and fellow residents! A Discussion with Fulton County Commissioner District 4, Natalie Hall Join us for a conversation with Fulton County Commissioner, District 4 Natalie Hall as we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our westside communities. United Way's Donna Burnham Explains the Importance of 2-1-1 Services Tune in for a conversation with Donna Burnham, vice-president of 2-1-1 services from United Way of Greater Atlanta, as she talks about how her organization connects people to the resources they need to address everyday challenges of living, and those that develop during times of community emergencies. The Westside Wise Podcast brings likeminded community leaders, activists, and organizers together to help find solutions to the many social challenges communities of color face in the new millennium. Check Out Our Latest Episodes QUESTCDC.ORG/WISE connected by 24 Moving Atlanta Forward with Mayor Andre Dickens Less than a year after being elected as the 61st mayor of the city of Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens revisits the Transform Westside Summit to share updates from efforts to “Move Atlanta Forward.” Kenya Gould & Cori Bishop, AVLF Standing with Survivors Program Join us for a conversation with Kenya Gould, Program Manager for Standing with Survivors Program, and Cori Bishop, Community Legal advocate with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) as we discuss how they create safe and stable homes and families by inspiring the fight for equal justice.
fiduciary & financial MANAGEMENT Fiduciary Management Atlanta Valdosta Macon
Our primary focus is on creating housing stability that promotes independence QFS helps beneficiaries who need assistance with paying their bills and provides financial management for approximately 650+ social security beneficiaries throughout the state. To ensure housing stability, we verify that all clients' bills are taken care of and in turn - help provide an overall better quality of life for them. QFS has helped many clients attain independence and peace of mind. We fight against financial exploitation and assist with money management At Quest Fiduciary (QFS), we represent and advocate for the unique financial needs of vulnerable members in our community. QFS is a financial management program maximizing financial responsibility in an effort toward promoting economic mobility and wealth building. Community members who have been diagnosed with a mental disability are able to confidently rely on the help of QFS to manage their income and protect them from predatory financial practices. QFS caters to the elderly as well as to Veterans, working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure financial stability for our nation’s heroes. • Statewide • 3 Locations • 650+ SSA • 200+ VA Quest Fiduciary Leads the Largest Payee Program In Georgia The Quest Fiduciary Team: (L-R) Allison Montford (Customer Service Representative) - Kayla Sears (Benefits Disbursement Specialist I) - Olivia Nightingale (Director) - Nikeya Brown (Benefits Disbursement Specialist II) and Chanita Bradley (Program Manager) 26
health & supportive SERVICES Accredited Supportive Services A Special thanks to Rosario Hernandez (CEO of Westside Gardens) and The Travis Manion Foundation for sponsoring a garden clean-up earlier this year at our Veterans Village community. Over 40 volunteers participated in sprucing up the garden area. photo: (L-R) Melissa Tyson, Quest Cares Director with Travis Manion Foundation volunteer.
Our efforts are helping reduce homelessness in Metro Atlanta Overall, Quest expects the results of our efforts of providing affordable housing with supportive services to the chronically homeless population of men, women, and veterans will contribute to reducing homelessness in Metro Atlanta. Quest’s supportive services are accredited by CARF (Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities). CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Our community residents are our number one priority The Quest Cares team encourages residents to reimagine their quest for life. We provide comprehensive case management for individuals and families affected by behavioral health, addictions, and physical disabilities. After homeless & underserved individuals are placed into secure communities, Quest offers essential services to meet their needs. These services include case management, mental health & addiction counseling, life skills groups, financial management, and workforce development. The Quest Fiduciary Team: (L-R) Allison Montford (Customer Service Representative) - Kayla Sears (Benefits Disbursement Specialist I) - Olivia Nightingale (Director) - Nikeya Brown (Benefits Disbursement Specialist II) and Chanita Bradley (Program Manager) 28
s Partners for HOME, City of Atlanta Continuum of Care (CoC) The lead agency for the City of Atlanta coordinates services for homeless residents. Westside Works A community workforce development program that provides job training in the areas of construction, nursing assistance, automotive repair, and culinary arts. Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services A Federally Qualified Health Center that provides healthcare to the homeless in the Atlanta metropolitan area including Fulton County. Caring Works, Inc. Provides case management services to homeless individuals living in permanent supportive housing. St. Jude’s Recovery Center Provides detox and treatment options for those in recovery. Atlanta Community Food Bank Provides non-perishable goods to residents. The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta Provides furniture to residents. Families First Provides adoption services, transitional housing, parenting skills training, and family support services. Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) Provides housing and supportive services to Veteran residents. Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency Provides MARTA transportation cards at a discounted rate to assist with employment and workforce development of residents. Quest collaborates with a variety of partners to assist in addressing the needs of residents. Below is a selected list of our key partners: key service PA R T N E R S Quest participates in the Atlanta Continuum of Care, a centralized and coordinated system for housing homeless persons. One hundred percent of the clients we serve are homeless and are referred to Quest through the Atlanta Continuum of Care. Supportive Services
Covenant Communities Provides outpatient day treatment program to support those living in recovery. City Of Refuge Women and Children’s service center that provides temporary transitional housing, shelter services for women with no kids, a daycare center, workforce development programs, and secondary education 6-12. Chris 180 Saves serves and protects children, young adults, and families who have experienced trauma to help them change the direction of their lives. Partnership with Quest includes the development of homes for the demographic Chris 180 serves which includes young adults who were formerly homeless, aged out of foster care, or women and their children who are escaping an abusive home. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Constructs quality homes in a cost-efficient manner. Habitat is working with Quest to serve as a General Contractor in the development of homes for the young adults served by Chris 180. The Gateway Center Referral source for homeless individuals. The Veteran’s Administration Provides healthcare and supportive services to veterans. Social Security Administration Provides support and information for residents seeking benefits. Fulton Fresh Fulton County initiative that provides healthy cooking options and fresh fruits and vegetables to residents. Open Hand Atlanta Cooking Matters Program Cooking Matters is a national program that empowers families at risk of hunger with the skills, knowledge and to make healthy and affordable meals. Recovery Consultants of Atlanta Provides monthly HIV testing and education to residents and the community. 30
ASSETS Current Assets Bank $5,183,508.85 Accounts Receivable $1,417,939.70 Other Current Asset $13,359.09 Total Current Assets $6,614,807.64 Fixed Assets $32,140,143.66 Other Assets $8,942,100.00 Total ASSETS $47,697,051.30 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Current Liabilities $3,603,317.31 Long Term Liabilities $25,670,292.39 Equity $18,423,441.60 Total Liabilities & Equity $47,697,051.30 7%54%39%Current Fixed OtherFinancials financial report 2023 2023 Leadership Retreat at Heritage Village Site
32 REVENUE Public Support $3,579,377.18 Governmental Support $1,930,407.00 Earned Revenue $1,087,732.50 Other Income $243,549.09 Total Revenue $6,841,065.77 EXPENSE Program Services Quest Engage $310,262.22 Quest Fiduciary $266,425.12 Quest Cares $596,163.71 Quest Communities $3,002,132.29 Total Program Services $4,174,983.34 General & Admin Expenses $1,577,969.99 Total G&A Expenses $1,577,969.99 Total Operating Expense $5,752,953.33 Net Operating Income $1,088,112.44 8%6%14%72%Engage Fiduciary Cares Communities2023 Board Retreat at Ohio River South
more powerful TOGETHER Leadership
Lisa Whitaker Director, Human Resources & Compliance Officer Shane Williams Director, Marketing & Online Giving Leadership Team Leonard L. Adams, Jr. President & CEO Melanie Faison Chief Operating Officer Kendon Warren Chief Financial Officer Marilyn Benton Director, Finance & Asset Management Ebony Ford Director, Corporate & Community Engagement Jerry McGaughy Director, Real Estate Development Olivia Nightingale Director, Quest Financial Services Melissa Tyson Director, Quest Cares - Supportive Services 51 Marcus Billie, Board Chair Transwestern Transaction Manager Patrick Pontius, Vice Chair Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Principal Advisor Dr. Crystal Law, Secretary Western Governors University Professor Karen Patten, Treasurer Bezos Academy Family and Community Eng Director Greg Boler Bridge BLP Managing Director, East Region Investments Margaret C. Campbell Delta Air Lines Assistant General Counsel Board of Directors 34 Shakita Chester Truist Foundation Director of Regional Programming Eddie Conley Retired Navy Veteran Resident Advocate Chris Gilmore Townsend & Lockett, LLC Partner, Attorney LaToya Kyle Low Income Investment Fund (LIFF) Senior Loan Officer Bob Moffat The Home Depot Senior Director, Merchandising Taialicia Roberson Wells Fargo VP, Sr. Comm. Dev. Officer
299 Joseph E. Lowery NW, STE 301 | Atlanta, Georgia 30314 | 678-705-5318 Quest Community Development Corporation QUESTCDC.ORG QuestCDC is a pioneering force in affordable housing development in Georgia and committed to creating housing stability for residents at the lowest income levels. With a focus on social equity and economic inclusion, QuestCDC is dedicated to transforming communities and improving the lives of Atlanta's most vulnerable residents.