A Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Welcome and thank you for visiting our DHA Website. I am Douglas S. Faust, CEO of the Decatur Housing Authority. I hope that you learn more about DHA, our residents, our programs, and our housing opportunities.
Since 1938, DHA has been a significant contributor to the revitalization of the City of Decatur including developing affordable/workforce housing, increasing racial and economic diversity, and offering a high quality of life in the wonderful City of Decatur. DHA has newly developed and/or assisted 807 homes since 2000 at an investment of $103 million in the City of Decatur. DHA currently owns and manages 524 rental housing units in the City of Decatur, oversees 1,118 housing choice vouchers in Decatur and DeKalb County, and assists 166 senior PBV housing units for a total of 1,808 families assisted.
We seek to engage our residents in the larger community and to engage the larger community in our affordable/workforce neighborhoods. DHA has formed many local strategic partnerships with the City of Decatur, City Schools of Decatur, Decatur Education Foundation, and many others in our efforts to create healthy and thriving communities. Our exceptional strategic partners help us to improve opportunities for students and adults alike!
Our DHA Board of Commissioners is focused on providing educational opportunities by providing scholarships to all high school students headed to college that span their entire college career. DHA has provided nearly $600,000 to approximately 500 youths and adults to change their worlds. DHA's Board also supports DHA's STARs Afterschool Program at Swanton Heights and Trinity walk. This program serves low-income kindergarten through 5th grade students and operates 34 weeks in concordance with the school schedule. Tutoring, homework, reading, and enrichment classes supplement the curriculum daily. Staffing consists of seven certified teachers, one technology instructor, three full time and two part-time employees, and volunteers from various organization and residents.
DHA is proud to have been recognized locally and nationally for our excellent affordable and workforce housing, resident services, and resident programming. The Atlanta Regional Commission recognized DHA's revitalization efforts with Excellence Awards for design and innovation at Allen Wilson in 2013 and Trinity Walk in 2021. NAHRO has recognized DHA's resident programing and real estate development work with Awards of Merit and Excellence. Atlanta's Southface Institute also acknowledged DHA in 2013, 2015, and 2017 with Awards of Excellence.
One of DHA's greatest assets is our employees. It is with great honor that I work with and lead a team of housing professionals who are capable, dedicated, and passionate. They bring excellence to their work and strive to make positive impacts each day with our residents, partners, and larger community.
Douglas S. Faust
Chief Executive Officer